Short Days

Daily Reading:  Job 6-7

My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle. (Job 7:6)

Devotional Thought: "The days are going to start getting shorter tomorrow." I said that to my wife, Lana, on June 20.  We love the longer days, the lighter evenings, and the earlier dawns.  We are not ready for shorter days.  It seems like we haven't yet enjoyed the longer ones.

As I speed through my 61st year, I can appreciate what Job said: "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle."  I have been in textile factories where fabric was being woven.  The shuttles on those industrial looms move with such a speed that they cannot be seen!  While Job did not have that in mind, the shuttles of his day were still fast.  At the hands of the ancient weaver, the shuttle flew back and forth.  Its movement was repetitive, constant, and swift.

Our days are like that.  Day following day, coming at us relentlessly with increasing speed.  And, the longer we live the 'shorter' the days become.  James said it like this: "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes" (James 4:14).  The saying goes, "Time flies when you're having fun."  Yet, even in Job's hardship - which tends to slow things down to an agonizing pace - he confessed that his life was slipping away toward an eternal end.

When we are young our years stretch before us.  The days are long and golden.  As we age, however, we begin to realize that our years are numbered.  Our days are short and lose their sheen.  But, God has given us the promise of an eternal day where night will never come.  "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time" (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Prayer: Lord, every day that you give me is a gift of grace.  Help me to live this day to its fullest and to praise you and serve you with all my being.  Help me to spread the love, light and life of the Kingdom.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119:105-112

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.

107 I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word!

108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules.

109 I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law.

110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.

111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.

112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.