How long will you live?

2025-05-01
Psalm 90:10 NKJV

Do you ever wonder how long you will live? The Bible says, “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (v. 10 NKJV). Why do some of us live longer than others? Paul answers, “Our knowledge is partial and incomplete” (1 Corinthians 13:9 NLT). But here are three things you can be sure of:

(1) You can lengthen your life by obeying God and shorten it by disobeying Him. Fighting illness and facing death, Hezekiah prayed, “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully… with wholehearted devotion and… done what is good in your eyes” (2 Kings 20:3 NIV). God answered, “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you… I will add fifteen years to your life” (2 Kings 20:5-6 NIV). So, does God still heal today? Yes, His Word says, “Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil…and the Lord will make you well” (James 5:14-15 NLT).

(2) When their work on earth is done, the redeemed go to heaven. Paul describes heaven in two words: “far better” (Philippians 1:23 KJV). And the architect, builder, and designer of your heavenly home is Jesus, the One who said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2 KJV). At home with Jesus – try to imagine what that will be like.

(3) If you’re worried about death, claim God’s promise: “With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:16 NIV).

Soul food: Num 22-24; Mark 4:1-12; Ps 37:25-31; Prov 11:5-6

Hoe lank gaan jy lewe?


Psalm 90:10 NLV

Het jy al ooit gewonder hoe lank jy gaan lewe? Die Bybel sê: ‘Die getal van ons jare kan 70 wees, of as ons sterk is, 80. Maar selfs die beste daarvan is vol swaarkry en verdriet. Die lewe is gou verby, en ons bestaan nie meer nie’ (vers 10 NLV). Hier is egter drie dinge waarvan jy seker kan wees:

1) Jy kan jou lewe verleng deur aan God gehoorsaam te wees, of dit verkort deur aan Hom ongehoorsaam te wees. Terwyl hy siek was en dood in die gesig gestaar het, het Hiskia gebid: ‘O Here, onthou tog hoe ek altyd probeer het om aan U getrou te bly en om dit te doen wat vir U reg is…’ (2 Konings 20:3 NLV). God het geantwoord: ‘…Ek het jou gebed gehoor en jou trane gesien. Ek sal jou gesond maak… Ek sal nog vyftien jaar by jou lewe voeg…’ (2 Konings 20:5-6 NLV). Maak God nog steeds deesdae mense gesond? Ja, sy Woord sê: ‘Is daar van julle wat siek is? Dan moet julle die ouderlinge van die gemeente laat kom… En ‘n gelowige gebed sal die siek mens gesond laat word…’ (Jakobus 5:14-15 NLV).

2) Wanneer hulle werk op aarde voltooi is, gaan die verlostes hemel toe. Paulus beskryf die hemel in drie woorde: ‘…verreweg die beste.’ Die argitek, bouer en ontwerper van jou hemelse huis is Jesus, die Een wat gesê het: ‘…Ek gaan soontoe om vir julle plek gereed te maak’ (Johannes 14:2 NLV). Tuis by Jesus – probeer jou indink hoe wonderlik dit gaan wees.

3) As jy oor die dood bekommerd is, eis God se belofte op: ‘Ek sal hom ‘n lang lewe gee, en hy sal my verlossing sien’ (Psalm 91:16 NLV).

Sielskos: Num 22-24; Mark 4:1-12; Ps 37:25-31; Spr 11:5-6