"LET ME ALONE FOR MY DAYS ARE VANITY." "For now shall I sleep in dust," laments Job. When life is unbearable, some long for death. Yet we Christians should be willing to live as long as God pleases. He will keep us in this world no longer than His predestined plan for us. Still, pain and suffering make life appear too long, and death seem desirable. It makes the sufferer say, "I loathe it, I would not live alway." Job's speech in many ways is suited to us, for if we were to live alway, we should sin alway, we should mourn alway, we should be alway passing through tribulation. Who would live alway at a distance from home, in a state of exile? But such is our transient state, it is certain we shall not live alway, nor shall we live long; our remaining days are not many. Let us not therefore be much concerned about how much longer we shall live, but let us aim to live to good purpose. Let us live for God, for the good of souls, for the spread of the gospel, for the improvement of the church, for the honour of Christ and for the destruction of sin. Let us endeavour so to live, as neither to fear death nor to hate life. Let us live in the sure expectation of everlasting life in heavenly mansions now being prepared by our Lord for all them who love His appearing. Until then, let us live upon Christ, and for Christ.

For Meditation:
No, I would not always live,
Always sin, repent, and grieve;
Always in my dungeon groan,
Always serve a God unknown;
But my Lord has His perfect will,
For Him I live and labour still.