The days of our years are threescore years and ten, and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow. – Psalm 90:10
Fourscore years! As the decades roll by, we pass the milestones of twenty, forty, sixty, then eighty. And each group of years has its own activities and responsibilities. During the first score of years, we are growing and being schooled in and out of classrooms. By age twenty some have married, some have been called into the military, some have gone to college, and all have more or less grown up. Then comes the second score of years. We are finding our niche in the workplace, establishing homes, and raising and caring for our families and loved ones.
Between forty and sixty we are still raising families, and grandchildren are likely entering the picture. These years can still be very active, though we may begin to look forward to retirement. From sixty to eighty we start to recognize the telltale signs of old age. After we retire we may find that time can be heavy on our hands, but still there are things to do and we try to remain active.
Then comes eighty-plus—notice there is not much said about the fifth score of years. At that point we are walking one day at a time, and in some cases one step at a time. Many—or even most—of our old friends and associates are gone, but still we continue to do what we can.
Our focus verse points out that life is short and, in many ways, difficult. Simply being human provides enough challenges to keep us busy for an entire lifetime, yet we know that once our work is over, the trials here will be forgotten. Realizing this reminds us to use our time wisely—to focus on what will last in eternity. No matter what our stage in life, we can choose to dedicate our time to God, and only then will our efforts have a lasting effect.
How sad it would be to finish fourscore years and then realize that life has been only “labour and sorrow.” Instead, when our lives are over, we want to know we have accomplished God’s will for us and held nothing back from Him. This short verse I wrote several years ago can be our aim:
One more mile, one more hour, one more effort, one more tear;
Then my path may lead me to the feet of my Lord.
Then I would not ask for riches nor a scepter or a crown;
Just His smile will be my reward.
Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
Oh what music to my ear!
Just to know my Lord was satisfied
With the way I served Him here.
So I’ll gladly follow Jesus through my life’s remaining while.
I’ll take up my cross and follow one more mile.