How much longer do you think you will live? When you die... how long will you be dead?

These two questions have been around in some variation for a number of years, and they are great for helping us to regain some sort of perspective as to our mortality. We all have opinions as to how much longer we may have on this earth. It is fun to speculate and, at times, such speculation can be more than a bit scary.

Historians have plotted average lifespans for generations. Insurance companies live and die by their actuarial tables on lifespans. Health and fitness gurus make a living by promising people more years. Physicians, of course, do the same - and we are glad for them.

But the plain truth is that we will all die someday. The wise person will ask, "What then?" I used to worry about such things, but not so much anymore. The reason is that, while I have no earthly idea as to how much longer I will be here, I know for a fact Who holds my future. And... I trust Him! Do you?

The length of our days is seventy years - or eighty, if we have the strength... Psalms 90:10, NIV

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. I Thessalonians 4:13-14, NIV