The Death of a Queen and the Brevity of Life

The Brevity of Life

The Death of a Queen and the Brevity of Life

“Lord, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am.”

Psalm 39:4

Dear Kids,

The brevity of life is a very sober subject. It’s not something we like to think or talk about. But it is one of the most important topics for an individual to consider. There will come a day when our bodies will stop working and we will return to dust. Nothing can stop this natural event and no one will be excused; not the most ordinary person or the most famous. The death bell eventually tolls even for royalty.

A Queen Was Buried this Week

A queen was buried this week. After 70 years of service to her country Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest. Whether or not you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, the news of the queen’s demise was sobering. It reminds us of the brevity of life and creates the uncomfortable realization that some day we, too, will pass from this earth.

A King Considers The Brevity of Life

King David had the transience of life on his mind as he penned the words of Psalm 39. We do not know the circumstances of his writing, but from the text one can almost feel the sadness he felt as he considered the vanity of life. He tried not to speak his thoughts about death, but eventually could not hold back his tongue any longer and cried out to the Lord to help him make sense of this life we live.

God has only given us a few short years on this earth. Our days are “as handbreadths,” the Psalmist repined. We spend our years amassing riches, but then leave the rewards of our hard work for someone else to enjoy. Even queens leave behind their jewels, castles, and servants. In the life beyond death they are just like everyone else.

Preparing for the Inevitable Future

Why would a person want to dwell on this morbid subject? It is not only to celebrate the life of the departed but also to prepare for our own eventual future. David, the king, recognized that his only hope in life and beyond the grave lay with the Lord. His sin separated him from a holy God and he asked for deliverance from his transgressions. He understood that all of us are just sojourners on this earth and that some day we will depart and leave the world behind.

God graciously grants us the opportunity for deliverance from our transgressions. He did this by sending his only Son, Jesus, to pay the cost of the sin that separates us from God. In faith King David received this gift by looking forward to the day that was to come. We can also receive this gift in faith by looking back to what Jesus did more than two thousand years ago.

God’s Provision for our Salvation

God’s gracious provision of forgiveness and salvation is only available for us while we are here on earth. Someday when the death bell tolls it will be too late. This is why it is important to consider the extent of our days and understand our eventual end. The gift, available for the most ordinary person or the most magnificent king or queen, must be received here and now.

Have you considered the brevity of life? Rather than ignore the subject, call out to God to help you make sense of this life you live and to receive His gift of salvation. Today it is the Queen of England. Who knows for whom the death bell will toll tomorrow?

Love,

Mama

Comfort for Times of Bereavement:

You’re Never Alone in the Valley of Death

With God Death Means Life

God’s Free Gift

 

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Hi, I'm Sandy! 

I write inspirational letters based on the Bible that share words of hope, encouragement, truth, and healing to my children and anyone else who longs for a mama's touch.

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