Life is a gift from above and an excellent expression of God’s love and wisdom. Man’s wonderful existence is incomparable to any other form of life that exists on earth which God had made. Life’s unexplored beauty and depth is yet to draw special attention to mankind. 

   Without the help of the Scriptures, no man could free himself from mind-stirring questions like: “Where did I come from? Where do I go from here? What am I living for?” A person who is bothered by these questions is really in need of God’s Word. 

   Deep understanding regarding human existence, purpose of life and shortness of life leads a man to know himself rightly and to live a well-lived life. It will unchain his full potential and set him free from unproductiveness and dangerous philosophies of life. 

   Job once said, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” What a reminder to be considered. Certainly, pondering the Word of Truth concerning the shortness of life could warn every man not to boast of himself and of the things he gained in this world but to put his trust in the Living God. In fact, man is racing against time as he struggles for survival.            

(I)            Full Of Trouble

Job 14:1

-Physical problems

-Emotional problems

-Spiritual problems 

   What we see around us and the news we hear from all corners of the world honestly reveal the alarming troubles being experienced by the human race.  

   In times of trouble, we must not forget to consider our spiritual existence lest we overlook our access to God. Our prayers keep us in touch with God. On the other hand, a well-appropriated emotion guided by the Holy Ghost maintains our excellent composure during trying moments. We should not let bad circumstances rob our God-given joy. 

   The worst thing that could happen to a man’s life during his crucial hour is to let his physical being be weakened by killer stress and depression which could lead him gradually to a devil-prepared stage called insanity. 

   As sin-related troubles intensify man’s anxieties of life, may we also take time to consider God’s Word so it may become a significant part of our whole being. A well-lived spiritual, emotional and physical life in accordance to the will of God makes a believer shine even in his darkest night.  

(II)           Like A Flower And A Shadow

Job 14:2

-The glory of man

-The passing life of man 

   Every man has his glorious days and darkest nights. As a flower displays its ephemeral beauty and emits its sweet smelling fragrance, so is a man in the prime of his strength and youth.  

   In the best state of a natural man, when fame, riches and power seem to stay, the fears of downfall and death still prevail and threaten his poor soul. Truly, man’s life is like a passing shadow that stays for a while then vanishes away from the sight of men.  

(III)          Its Uncertainties In The Future

Job 14:3-10

-The feared judgment of man

-The spiritual restoration of man

-The destiny of man 

   Since the downfall of man, sin took a dominant role in deceiving and threatening the human race. Since then life became uncertain, fears and insecurities became unavoidable. Doubt and unbelief are deceitful and dangerous tools of the devil in manipulating and misleading people so they may not find their way to the Lord Jesus Christ. 

   In Job 14:10, it is written, But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? (KJV) What an imprinted image of life’s uncertainty in the thought of man.  

(IV)           Its Hope Beyond Death

Job 14:11-19

-The hope God has given us 

   In Job 14:14, it is written, If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. (KJV) Undoubtedly, this verse will lead every curious person to peep through a key hole to see a glimpse of hope, but trusting in the precious promises of God assuredly unlocks the door of hope so he may enter in and live in peace forevermore.  

   Without Christ, man is absolutely hopeless, but through faith in Him, man is assured of the blessed hope. In John 11:25-26, it is written, Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (KJV) 

   No matter how short life is, no matter how big the waves of trouble we face, if Christ lives in our hearts, we are assured that we are in God’s hand. Someday we will go in the way of the earth, and what a joy to wake up and see Jesus, the Savior of our souls.

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