I WOULD NOT LIVE ALWAY

 

EVENING DEVOTION

NOVEMBER 25

 

Job 7:16

I loathe it; I would not live alway:

let me alone; for my days are vanity.

 
Yet we should be willing to live as long as God pleases.
 
He will keep us in this world no longer than he can in some way get glory by us.
 
Still, pain and suffering make life appear long, and death desirable.
 
It is generally the sufferer who says, “I loathe it, I would not live alway.”
 
But the language 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 state now.
 
Well, we shall not live alway, 

  nor shall we live long, 

    our remaining days may be very few;

      let us not therefore be much concerned about how long we shall live, 

        but let us aim to live to some good purpose.
 
Let us live while we live.
 
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 life.
 
Let us live expecting everlasting life, 

  where the satisfaction will be perfect, and

   the appetite for enjoyment will be always fresh.
 
Let us live upon Christ, and for Christ.
 

No; I would not always live,

Always sin, repent, and grieve,

Always in my dungeon groan,

Always serve a God unknown.

 
James Smith