Living with intention and purpose — Vivienne Solomons

It is a sobering thought but each of us has a finite amount of time to live. I like how the Word of God puts it:

“So, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)  

When we understand how short our lives are, we can’t help but live with greater intention and purpose. This has become true for me, perhaps for you as well.

A defining moment in my life was when my mother died during the pandemic in 2020 and not long after her, my father. It seemed to me that one day I was just a child then suddenly, I was a grown woman grieving the loss of both my parents.  

In many ways, the time in-between was a blur. It all happened so quickly. Studying. Marriage. Work. Ministry. Parenthood. 

Life was full. Life was busy. Life was beautiful. 

I also spent much of it afraid. Afraid of disappointing my parents. Afraid of what others might think. Afraid of failing as a wife and mother. Afraid of what the future might hold. 

But that changed the day my father passed away. In trying to make sense of the loss of both parents in quick succession, I came to understand what the psalmist was asking God: To understand the brevity of life so that he could live out his life with wisdom and purpose.

Our focus should not be on when we will die but on how we will live.

In the Word of God we read: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10: 10 

Throughout our lives, there may be many experiences which steal from us, destroy what we have built, or worse … yet the invitation of Jesus remains – to live life from the perspective of what we have rather than what we have lost, to look to the future with hope in our hearts, and not fear. 

This is living.

I am reminded of the chorus in the song by Bill and Gloria Gaither – Because He Lives (2001):

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone:
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

As Easter approaches and we contemplate the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, may we take hold of His promise to us – an abundant (meaning fullness, strength, joy … in our body, soul and spirit) life rooted in a loving relationship with Him. Not only for now but for all eternity.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Please help us to keep on publishing news that brings Hope in Jesus:

>> Donate  >> Become a Super Subscriber

VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/gatewaynews100

COMMENTING GUIDELINES
You are welcome to engage with our articles by making comments [in the Comments area below] that add value to a topic or to engage in thoughtful, constructive discussion with fellow readers. Comments that contain vulgar language will be removed. Hostile, demeaning, disrespectful, propagandistic and off-topic comments may also be moved. This is a Christian website and if you wish to vent against Christian beliefs you have probably come to the wrong place and your comments may be removed. Ongoing debates and repetitiveness will not be tolerated. You will also disqualify yourself from commenting if you engage in trolling.