Father, You sent word through Isaiah that Hezekiah would die.
I have often wondered: if I could know when I will die, would I want to? It’s an interesting question.
This kind of curiosity started in the Garden of Eden. When the serpent held out the possibility of being “like God,” having Your knowledge and wisdom, Eve bit!
Even though I know intellectually, that everyone dies, including me, it’s not something I think about from day to day. I tend to put it out of my mind and live as if I have years or even decades ahead of me. But, if, for instance, I received information that I have a medical condition that comes with an expiration date, it would be a sobering realization.
If I were given such information, how would I set about reworking my priorities? Would I “put my house in order” as Hezekiah was told to do? Would I cry out to You for more time? It would definitely disrupt my thinking, my activities, my attitudes, and the way I relate to people. I would be more motivated to orchestrate my remaining days…
Father, help me live my life now, as if every day were a precious gift from You, not to be wasted or squandered. Show me how to arrange my priorities, recognizing what is really important. Do not let me waste time in foolish pursuits or on meaningless tasks. Show me the godly relationships You want me to cultivate, and how to let go of and separate myself from the ungodly ones.
Help me be thankful for every single day You give me. Remind me to praise You every day. And worship You for who You are and for Your character that never changes: Your faithfulness, Your gentleness, Your love towards me, Your righteousness and Your omnipotence.
Thank You for all You have done: created this amazing universe, established a way of salvation, given me Your Word for instruction and encouragement. I appreciate Your hand of protection and provision in my life, as I have food, shelter, clothing, family, friends, and freedom.
And when I think about the end of my time here on earth, I have no fear of what comes after. Because I know You, I am not anxious about my future. I know I will spend eternity with You, and I can’t wait! Amen
O Father, You have always been my God. Even before I knew who You were, I saw the beauty of Your creation. You put the mountains in place, You created the seas and all that is in them. Yet even before there was earth and sky, You were there.
You tell me “a thousand years is like a day in Your sight.” Your sense of time is far different from mine. I cannot even imagine it.
Daily Bible Prayer 