Life is fleeting. It’s a truth we often push to the back of our minds, not wanting to confront the reality that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. Recently, a dear friend of mine experienced an unimaginable tragedy—she lost her 20-year-old daughter, who passed away suddenly in her sleep. It was devastating. There are no words that can capture the depth of that pain. Her loss is a sobering reminder of how fragile life is, how quickly everything can change.
Yet, as Christians, we are called to live with an awareness of this fleetingness, not in fear or despair but with a steadfast hope in eternity. Colossians 3:2-3 says, “ Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This isn’t a call to ignore the joys and responsibilities of life on earth, but to anchor ourselves in something that lasts: our relationship with God and the hope of eternal life.
Life Is But a Vapor
James 4:14 puts it plainly: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” This imagery of a mist—something visible for a moment but quickly gone—perfectly captures the brevity of our existence. We’re not guaranteed the next second, never mind tomorrow.
This reality can feel overwhelming, even frightening. But it’s also an invitation to examine our lives and ask, “Am I living with eternity in mind?” Are we investing in what truly matters—our relationship with God, the love we show others, and the legacy of faith we leave behind?
Preparing Our Hearts for the Unthinkable
None of us can predict when tragedy might strike. But we can prepare our hearts and minds so that when it does, we’re anchored in God’s truth. Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
To live with this kind of hope, we need to cultivate an intimate relationship with God. This involves spending time in His Word, talking with Him in prayer, and surrounding ourselves with a community of faith. When we know God deeply, we trust Him more fully—even in the face of loss.
Psalm 90:12 offers wisdom for living in light of life’s brevity: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Recognizing that our days are limited helps us live purposefully and intentionally, keeping our focus on what truly matters.
Living with Hope, Not Fear
Acknowledging life’s fleeting nature doesn’t mean living in fear. On the contrary, it frees us to live with greater purpose and joy. When our hearts are set on God and eternity, we’re less consumed by the temporary worries and distractions of this world. Instead, we find peace in knowing that our ultimate hope is secure.
1 Peter 1:3-4 reminds us of this hope: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” No matter what happens in this life, our inheritance in Christ is unshakable.
Building a Legacy of Faith
When we live with eternity in mind, it also shapes how we interact with others. Are we sharing the love of Christ with those around us? Are we pointing others to the hope that we have in Him? These are the things that matter most.
We don’t know how many days we have on this earth, but we can make the most of each one by living in a way that honors God and reflects His love. As the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Whether we’re here or in eternity, our lives belong to Him.
A Final Encouragement
If you’ve experienced loss or are walking alongside someone who has, know that God sees your pain. He is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) and promises to be your refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). Turn to Him, and allow His presence to comfort and sustain you.
As we navigate this fragile, unpredictable life, let us keep our hearts and minds resolutely fixed on God. Let us live with an eternal perspective, treasuring each day as a gift and preparing our hearts for whatever may come. And let us take comfort in the truth that, for those who are in Christ, this life is not the end. We have the promise of eternity—a place where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4).
Hold tightly to Him, friends, and set your heart on things above.
