Psalm 91:13-16

“When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.” 15-16

While we do know that believers are not guaranteed long life, and that our endings can catch us by surprise, long life is one of the most appreciated blessings we can receive. It feels good to be able to live through milestone birthdays and enjoy this beautiful world just a little bit longer, particularly if we can enjoy good health along the way. But God doesn’t just show up in the latter days with an old age extension for some, our God is with all people, particularly when trouble comes near, as a companion through good times and bad. Of course it hurts when death comes too soon, and people are robbed of special time with family and friends, but even then we are promised that death is no match for God’s love, and new life awaits. The psalmist is right. God’s blessings never come to an end, and if long life does happen to be a part of our game plan, there’s nothing better than to offer thanks and praise to God for one more day of grace and joy. We certainly don’t deserve more time in this world than other folks, but when those decades keep extending, there’s nothing better than to say, “Thank you, God, for yet another day.”

Thought for the Day: What are the blessings and curses of long life?