Tag Archives: Thomas Chalmers

In a few years

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In a few years

(Thomas Chalmers, 1780-1847)

“For we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but aĀ shadow.” Job 8:9Ā 

“He springs up like aĀ flowerĀ and withers away; like a fleetingĀ shadow, he does not endure.” Job 14:2Ā 

“Only a few years will pass before I go on the journey of no return!” Job 16:22Ā 

“My days are like the eveningĀ shadow; I wither away likeĀ grass.” Psalm 102:11Ā 

“Man is like aĀ breath; his days are like a fleetingĀ shadow.” Psalm 144:4Ā 

How transient is human life–yet no one lays it to heart. With the magnificence of eternity before us–letĀ fleetingĀ time, with all its fluctuations, dwindle into its own littleness.

In a few yearsĀ our heads will be laid in the cold grave, and the green turf will cover us. The children who come after us will tread upon our graves.

They willĀ weepĀ for us a few days.

They willĀ talkĀ of us a few months.

They willĀ rememberĀ us a few years.

Then our memory shall disappear from the face of the earth, and not a tongue shall be found to recall it!

The character with which we sink into the grave at death–is the very character with which we shall reappear at the final judgment!

“O God, impress upon meĀ the value of time–and give regulation to all my thoughts and to all my actions. O God, help me to live for Your glory. As the years roll over me, may I withdraw my affections from time, and feel that in moving through the world, I am moving toward eternity!”

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