Of The Contemplation of Death.

Adapted From A Sermon By

Philip Doddridge

O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!

(Psalms 39:4 ESV)

Our text this morning is verse 4 of Psalm 39: O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!

There's something deeply valuable, even necessary, in contemplating death. We don't need to wait for a funeral to consider it. At this very moment, countless people are taking their final breaths or being laid to rest. It's fitting, then, for us who may soon join them to reflect on our mortality and turn our hearts to God, echoing the Psalmist's words: "Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am."

Death is not a popular topic in our culture. We often push it to the margins of our thoughts, treating it as an unwelcome intruder rather than an inevitable reality. But this avoidance comes at a cost. By refusing to confront our mortality, we miss out on the wisdom and perspective it can bring to our lives. This morning, we'll explore why contemplating death is not just important, but potentially a major influence on how we live.

This psalm arose from a time of hardship for its author. Facing difficulties and temptations, he resolved to guard his ways and his speech. For a while, he remained silent, but his inner turmoil grew until he could no longer contain it. Yet when he finally spoke, his words were not rash, but filled with wisdom and reverence.

We can imagine the Psalmist, King David, struggling with the injustices he saw around him. The wicked seemed to prosper while the righteous suffered. In his human frailty, he was tempted to lash out, to question God's fairness. But he wisely held his tongue.

This inner conflict reached a boiling point. The pressure of unexpressed thoughts and emotions became too much to bear. But when he finally opened his mouth, what emerged was not a bitter complaint, but a profound prayer. He turned his gaze from the temporary circumstances around him to the eternal truths above him.

He prayed: "Lord, help me understand the brevity of life. Teach me to see how fleeting my days are, so I can put my current struggles into proper perspective. Show me that neither others' prosperity nor my own troubles will last forever or truly matter in light of eternity."

This shift in perspective is crucial. The Psalmist recognized that his current problems, however intense they felt, were temporary. By focusing on the shortness of life, he was able to see beyond his immediate circumstances to a broader, eternal view.

In considering the words of our text, we will:

I. Aim to explain their meaning in more detail.

II. Demonstrate the wisdom of the psalmist's request, and why it's reasonable for us to echo his feelings.

III. End with some specific practical applications.

I. Explaining the meaning of the Petition

1. What does the Psalmist mean by "the measure of my days"?

He's not asking for a precise countdown of his remaining time. Such knowledge would likely be paralyzing rather than helpful. Rather, he wants to truly grasp the shortness of human life in general and apply that truth to himself personally. He wants to internalize that his days are but "a hand's breadth" compared to eternity.

This request shows humility and wisdom. The Psalmist recognizes that without God's help, we tend to live with an illusion of permanence. We make plans as if we're guaranteed decades, forgetting that each day is a gift, not a given.

2. What kind of knowledge is he seeking?

It's not mere factual awareness. He already knows life is short in an abstract sense. Instead, he's asking for the ability to seriously reflect on this truth and live in light of it. He wants to shape his attitudes and actions with a constant awareness of his approaching death, especially to moderate his concerns about temporary matters.

This is a prayer for knowledge that has the power to transform our life– the kind that doesn't just inform the mind but changes the heart. It's a request for wisdom that alters how we perceive the world and how we choose to live in it. Next, let us consider

II. The Wisdom of this Request

1. Contemplating death contributes to our present happiness: in many ways,

i) It moderates our desires:

Thinking about death helps us see the transient nature of worldly pursuits. We realize the foolishness of being overly attached to things we'll soon leave behind. This leads to more contentment and less anxiety.

Consider how this might play out in daily life. When we're tempted to compromise our integrity for a promotion, remembering our mortality puts that ambition in perspective. Is it worth sacrificing our character for a position we'll hold for only a brief time? When we're consumed with acquiring possessions, the thought of death reminds us that we can't take them with us. This frees us to hold material things loosely and find joy in simpler pleasures.

ii) It moderates excessive joy:

Remembering death keeps us from becoming arrogant or overconfident in good times. It reminds us that all earthly pleasures and successes are temporary.

This isn't about dampening all joy, but about fostering a more stable, grounded happiness. When we achieve a goal or experience a windfall, contemplating our mortality helps us avoid the pitfalls of pride. It reminds us to be grateful for blessings rather than feeling entitled to them. This humility actually allows us to enjoy good times more fully, as we appreciate them as gifts from God rather than taking them for granted.

iii) It lessens the weight of sorrow:

When facing disappointments or suffering, the thought of death reminds us that our troubles are also temporary. It offers the comforting perspective that all pain will end.

In times of grief, illness, or hardship, remembering the brevity of life can be a balm to our souls. It doesn't trivialize our pain, but it does put boundaries around it. Knowing that "this too shall pass" can give us strength to endure. It also motivates us to look beyond our current circumstances and find meaning even in our struggles.

iv) It diminishes fear:

While it may seem counterintuitive, regularly thinking about death can actually reduce our fears. It helps us face the inevitable and puts other worries into perspective.

When we confront the reality of death, many of our day-to-day anxieties shrink in comparison. Public speaking, financial setbacks, or social embarrassments lose some of their sting when viewed against the backdrop of eternity. Moreover, by regularly considering our mortality, we become more familiar with the idea of death. This familiarity can reduce the paralyzing fear that often accompanies thoughts of dying.

2. Contemplating death contributes to our eternal happiness:

a) It awakens the unbeliever:

For those not following God, contemplating death can be a powerful wake-up call. It forces us to confront the brevity of life and the urgency of addressing our eternal destiny.

The reality of death strips away the illusions we often hide behind. It compels us to ask the big questions: What happens after I die? Is there more to existence than this physical life? Am I prepared for what comes next? These questions can be uncomfortable, but they're essential. They can be the first step on a journey towards faith and a relationship with God.

b) It motivates the believer:

For Christians, remembering our mortality ought to spur us to greater devotion and service. It reminds us that our time to honor God and help others is very short and limited.

When we realize that our days are numbered, it infuses our actions with purpose. We're more likely to prioritize spiritual growth, to mend broken relationships, to share our faith, and to use our resources for lasting impact. The thought of death can be a powerful antidote to spiritual apathy or a lukewarm faith.

The Need for Divine Help

Now, sadly, the greater part of mankind evidently spend their lives under the deep spell of the world. They are full of lofty plans and projects, dreams and aspirations and neither the admonitions of the word nor the providence of God are sufficient to awaken them, though a thousand fall at their side, and ten thousand at their right hand. From this we may easily conclude that nothing less than an almighty power can effectually impress it on the heart.

Even though contemplating death is so beneficial, we naturally tend to avoid it. We often live as if death were a distant possibility rather than a certain reality. This widespread denial shows that we need God's help to truly internalize the brevity of life. We must ask Him to impress this truth upon our hearts in a way that transforms our thinking and living.

Our aversion to thinking about death is deeply ingrained. We're surrounded by a culture that often glorifies youth and avoids thinking about aging and death. Advertising, entertainment, and even some religious messages can reinforce the illusion that we'll always have more time.

This is why the Psalmist's prayer is so crucial. We need divine assistance to overcome our natural resistance to facing mortality. Only God can help us embrace this truth in a way that's not morbid or depressing, but life-giving and motivating.

And now, by way of application:

1. To any who haven't truly embraced faith:

When your spiritual state is seriously considered – hanging by the thread of mortal life over an eternity separated from God – it will fill every earnest Christian with compassion and alarm. It's astonishing that you can eat, drink, work, and play without constant fear and alarm. Your situation is far more serious than someone dying of a disease while believing they're in perfect health.

Please hear this solemn warning: As surely as you're alive now, you will one day be a cold, lifeless corpse. Your body will return to dust, and your spirit will return to God. Please, seriously consider this! Your tendency to forget death is precisely why the messages of the gospel often fail to impact you.

These are unwelcome thoughts. Death is frightening enough on its own, but for those unprepared, it leads to an eternity far worse than physical death. Why speak of such terrifying things? It's out of deep concern for you. Ignoring death won't protect you from it, any more than closing your eyes would save you from a charging lion.

If you won't think about it now, you'll be forced to face it unprepared, making the shock infinitely worse. But if you'll consider it seriously now, you can find hope. Jesus conquered death, and by putting your faith in Him, you can share in His victory. When you're clothed in His righteousness and cleansed by His sacrifice, death becomes a doorway to glory rather than a plunge into despair. In this light, dying becomes a privilege instead of a tragedy, and the thought of your mortality will bring comfort in trials rather than casting a shadow over your joys.

Consider the parable Jesus told about the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21). This man had an abundant harvest and decided to build bigger barns to store his wealth. He thought he had secured his future and could now relax and enjoy life. But God said to him, "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you." All his plans and possessions suddenly meant nothing, absolutely nothing.

This parable isn't meant to make us live in constant anxiety, but to wake us up to reality. Are you building your life on things that will last beyond death? Are you rich towards God? These are the questions that contemplating mortality should prompt us to ask.

2. To sincere Christians:

Believers, why would you be reluctant to think of death? For you, it should be a daily source of refuge and joy. While terrifying to those who reject God, for you, death wears a friendly face. Don't you know it's a messenger telling you your heavenly home is ready? It announces that your struggles are over, and your victory crown awaits!

Jesus has transformed death. For you, it's now a gentle sleep that will end your sorrows and fears. You'll awaken to indescribable joy and never-ending glory. How can you forget such a kind friend, from whom you have such wonderful and certain expectations? How can you neglect to think often of the day that will end all your troubles and begin your perfect happiness?

The Apostle Paul understood this perspective deeply. He wrote to the Philippians, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). He saw death not as loss, but as unspeakable gain. It wasn't the end, but a doorway to something far greater. And this view didn't make Paul passive or careless with his life. On the contrary, it fueled his passionate service to God and others.

And so let us make an effort to make contemplating death a regular practice:

- When we're too caught up in worldly pursuits or material pleasures, let's view them through the lens of our mortality. It will subdue any misplaced passions.

Imagine you're about to make a major purchase that will stretch your finances to the limit. Before signing the contract, take a moment to consider: If I knew I only had a year left to live, would this still seem so important? This doesn't mean that we should not be prudent and cautious, but it helps put things into a proper perspective.

- When we're afraid of future problems or overwhelmed by current ones, let's remember that all our fears and sorrows have an expiration date. This should revive our spirits and increase our longing for eternity.

In times of chronic illness, relationship struggles, or financial hardship, reminding ourselves of life's brevity can provide comfort. It's not about minimizing real pain, but about putting it in eternal perspective. As Paul wrote, "For our light and momentary troubles are preparing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:17).

- In moments of spiritual laziness or strong temptation, let's remind ourselves of our approaching death. It will motivate us to live, speak, and act like people destined for eternity.

When you're tempted to neglect prayer or Bible study, ask yourself: If I knew this was my last day on earth, how would I spend it? When facing temptation, consider: Is this momentary pleasure worth compromising my eternal happiness? The thought of death can be a powerful motivator for holy living.

- Let's learn from the deaths we witness around us and the reminders of our own frailty – illnesses, injuries, the changes of aging. These are all lessons teaching us to number our days.

Each funeral we attend, each obituary we read, can be more than just a sad occasion. They're opportunities to reflect on our own lives and legacies. Even the small reminders of our mortality – a new ache, a gray hair – can prompt us to thank God for the gift of each day and to use it wisely.

Some practical suggestions for contemplating death wisely might be helpful.

We can Schedule regular times for reflection setting aside time weekly or monthly to prayerfully consider our mortality. This isn't morbid; it's a chance to realign our priorities and deepen your faith. Ask yourself: Am I investing in things that will outlast me? What would I regret leaving undone if my life ended this year?

Visual reminders might also be helpful: Keep a physical reminder – a tasteful object that reminds you of life's brevity. This could be an hourglass, a pressed flower. The Puritans had something on their desks as reminders of mortality. It is a sound principle. A simple card with a verse like Psalm 90:12 ("So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom") could serve this purpose.

Practising gratitude is greatly beneficial. Regularly thank God for the gift of each day. Awareness of life's fragility can heighten your appreciation for it. Start or end each day by listing three things you're grateful for. Over time, this practice can shift your focus from what you lack to the abundance you already have. It can also heighten your awareness of God's daily gifts that we often take for granted.

Let us cultivate an eternal perspective. Study what Scripture teaches about eternity. Let the promise of resurrection and new creation shape your outlook on current joys and trials. Spend time meditating on Scripture passages which details the hope of resurrection, or which describes the new heaven and new earth. Let these eternal realities color how you view current events and personal circumstances.

Contemplating death should ultimately enhance our enjoyment of life, not diminish it. Let us thank God for the beauty and goodness He allows us to experience now.

In closing:

We're prone to forget these truths, and we're too weak on our own to consistently live in light of them. So, let's make it our daily habit to pray to God, the source of life and the one who holds the keys of death. Let's ask Him to bring these realities to mind and enable us to profit from them.

May we not just think about death occasionally, but truly learn to number our days. As we do, may we apply our hearts to wisdom – living with purpose, loving deeply, serving generously, and walking closely with our God who has conquered the grave.

Let's reflect on the unique perspective Christianity offers regarding death. For believers, death is not the end, but a transition. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, "we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."

This hope transforms how we view death. Yes, it's still an enemy – the last enemy to be destroyed, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:26. We still grieve when loved ones die, and it's right to do so. Jesus himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus. But our grief is tempered by hope. We know that death does not have the final word.

For the Christian, contemplating death should lead not to fear, but to gratitude and anticipation. We're grateful for Christ's victory over death, and we anticipate the day when we'll be united with Him and with all believers who have gone before us. This perspective allows us to echo the words of the Apostle Paul: "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Finally, remember that contemplating death is not about living in fear or morbid fascination. It's about living with purpose, gratitude, and hope. It's about allowing the reality of our mortality to strip away the trivial and focus us on what truly matters.

May God grant us the wisdom to number our days aright. May He help us to live in light of eternity, making each day count for His glory and for the good of others. And may the hope of resurrection and eternal life in Christ fill us with joy and peace, even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.