YOLO

Back in 2011, the acronym YOLO became popularized in media and music.

YOLO stands for, “You Only Live Once.” Instead of using the term as a means to embrace life and love others, most of society was using the term to condone bad behavior and poor decision making. You may be listening to this and wondering what any of this has to do with the book of Psalms.

Well, in Psalm 39, David reached a crossroads. He is experiencing anguish, frustration, and is completely overwhelmed. And, while he could’ve vented to the first person that would listen, instead he chose to cry out to God in prayer. He sought God for wisdom in his lowest moments. But the part of Psalm 39 I want to focus on today in our devotional time is verses four through six, which say:

Show me, Lord, my life’s end

   and the number of my days;

   let me know how fleeting my life is.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

   the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Everyone is but a breath,

   even those who seem secure.

- Psalm 39:4-5

David’s prayer was not inspired by a desire to know when life would end; it was not a request to be told the date of his death. It was a prayer for an accurate apprehension of the fact that life, quantitatively, is as nothing. In verse five, he compares his days on earth to a handbreadth, which in ancient Israel was one of the smallest units of measurement. In other words, our lives are but a vapor!

I believe David is emphasizing to us that life is short; therefore, the only real meaning of our existence must be in our relationship with God, because He is eternal.

So I’d like to redeem the phrase YOLO. “You Only Live Once,” so let’s live our lives in a way that pushes us closer to Jesus. Let’s take notes from David and run to Jesus with our frustration and anguish. Let’s seek the Lord for wisdom. While our time on Earth may be like a vapor, may you know that the God you serve is eternal. We are limited, but He is limitless!

My prayer for you is that you will press into your relationship with Him; that you will continue to grow in your faith.

Som Tami

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