With Long Life Will I Satisfy Him
Have you ever thought of the words, God gave and God took away
This phrase is often heard at funerals or when people try to make sense of sudden loss. Some also use it concerning blessings, saying, God gave, and God took it back. While there is a measure of truth in acknowledging God’s sovereignty, the idea that God casually gives and then takes back what He has blessed us with can be controversial.
Today, let us look at what the Word of God say not through tradition or human reasoning, but through His promises. In particular, I want us to see one promise of God that is often overlooked: His promise of a long and satisfied life.
Eternal Life Begins Now
When we hear the words eternal life, many people think only of heaven after death—living forever with God in eternity. But biblically, eternal life is not something that starts after we leave this earth. It begins the very moment we are born again.
Jesus Himself said in John 17:3, Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. Eternal life is both a present reality and a future hope. And within that life is the promise of longevity and quality of life.
Psalm 91:16 says, With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.
Notice carefully, God doesn’t just speak about life after death, but about satisfaction in this life, in connection to the fullness of salvation.
Why Does God Desire Long Life For Us?
Why would God want us to live long on this earth? It is not simply so we can accumulate wealth, travel the world, or enjoy family milestones, though all these are blessings from Him. The primary reason is that He has a divine purpose for every one of His children.
Our time on earth is a limited opportunity to fulfill God’s plans. Once we leave this body, we return to Him. At that point, He cannot use us in this world anymore. That is why God desires us to live a long life, so that His plans and purposes can be carried out through us.
The Fullness of Salvation
Psalm 91:16 also says, …and show him my salvation.
The Hebrew word used for salvation in the Old Testament and its Greek equivalent Soteria/Sozo in the New Testament carry a much deeper meaning than simply being rescued from hell.
Salvation means:
* Deliverance from the penalty of sin (past justification),
* Deliverance from the power of sin in daily life (present sanctification),
* Deliverance from the very presence of sin (future glorification).
But it also includes restoration to health, safety, preservation, soundness, and well-being. In other words, salvation is a package deal. It is not only about being forgiven, but also about being restored into the fullness of life that God intended.
Through Christ’s blood, God did not just purchase us out of hell; He redeemed us from the curse, sickness, and destruction that came into this world through sin. And He promised us not only a long life, but also a quality life,the God-kind of life.
Long Life is Not Earned By Works
Sadly, religious systems have twisted this truth. Some say, “You lived longer because you tithe,” or “You are still alive because of your offerings.” Such statements are lies from the pit of hell. Long life is not something we purchase from God through our efforts, giving, or religious duty.
Neither can it be earned by our health routines alone. People spend fortunes on fitness and wellness in their desire to live longer. While healthy habits are good and necessary, we still see many who die young, without ever knowing God. Clearly, longevity is not secured by human strength, it is a gift from God, rooted in His promises and sustained by obedience to His Spirit.
Our Part: Obedience to the Holy Spirit
Though long life is a promise from God, we do have a part to play, not by earning it, but by aligning with His Spirit.
Psalm 91 begins with these words: Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Longevity is tied to dwelling in His presence and walking in obedience.
The Holy Spirit is our Helper, guiding us not just in spiritual matters but also in our daily decisions, our eating, our rest, our habits, even where we go and whom we associate with. He gives us wisdom for a balanced lifestyle. Ignoring His voice often opens the door to destruction, while obedience preserves us.
Sadly, some believers have died before their time, not because God took them, but because of consistent disobedience or neglect of the Spirit’s leading. Some ignored warning signs in their health, some lived recklessly, others refused correction. The truth is, God does not will for His children to be cut short. His heart is for us to live long, satisfied lives.
The satisfaction in Psalms 91:16 is not taking about God's Satisfaction but He is talking about our satisfaction.
Biblical Examples of Long and Satisfied Life
Scripture gives us clear examples of God’s will concerning longevity:
* Genesis 25:8 and Abraham died at a ripe old age, having lived a long and satisfying life. He breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death.
* Job 42:17 And so Job died, an old man and full of years.
Notice the wording: they lived full of years and satisfied. This is exactly what Psalm 91:16 promises. God is not satisfied until we are satisfied, until we have lived long, fulfilling the purpose He placed us here for.
The Package of Salvation
When we truly understand salvation, we see that it includes:
* Forgiveness of sins
* Healing for our bodies
* Provision for our needs
* Protection from harm
* A long and satisfied life
God has given us more than we ever deserved an overpayment through the blood of His Son. Why? Because He loves us and because He wants us to represent Him on this earth, living testimonies of His goodness and power.
Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Living Long, Living Well
Long life is not about surviving through the years but about living with satisfaction, walking in God’s purpose, and enjoying the fullness of His salvation.
Our part is simple:
* Believe His promise.
* Abide in His Word.
* Obey the Holy Spirit’s leading.
If we do these, we will not only live long, but live well. When our time finally comes, we will not look back with regret but with gratitude, knowing we have fulfilled God’s purpose and enjoyed the goodness of His salvation.
Yes, God has promised: With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.
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