Bucket List Legacy (Part 4)

 

Cindi McMenamin

Published Nov 11, 2025

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4. Make Psalm 90:12 your life’s motto.

Some people regularly adopt a different verse – or even a single word – to focus on and apply each year. How about making Psalm 90:12 your life’s motto with every year that you may have left?

Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” We shouldn’t have to wait until we get a diagnosis of six months or a year before we start living carefully and intentionally, realizing our number will soon be up. Psalm 139:16 tells us are days are numbered and therefore we all have limited time left to make an impact on this earth. Imagine how our lives might change for the better if we lived each day as if it were our last.

In my book, When Women Long for Rest, I wrote a chapter called “Focusing on the Few Things that Matter” and listed how radically my life might change if I were told I had only six months to live. I wrote that I’d:

- Spend quality time every day with my husband and daughter

- Spend quality time every day with my husband and daughter

- Cut out the busy work at home and church

- Spend more time in heart preparation every day

- Spend longer, richer times in worship of my Creator and Savior

- Enjoy each sunset, walk more in the sun, climb a mountain, take more prayer walks

None of us really knows how much longer we have left to live, so why not make your list now of how you’ll start living differently because your days really are numbered.

Revelation 21:1-4

A New Heaven and a New Earth 21 I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and earth had disappeared, and the sea was gone. 2 Then I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, dressed like a bride ready for her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “God lives with humans! God will make his home with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There won’t be any more death. There won’t be any grief, crying, or pain, because the first things have disappeared.”

Revelation 21:1-4 depicts God’s promise of a renewed creation where He dwells with His people, and all suffering, death, and sorrow are removed.

Overview of the Passage

Revelation 21:1-4 presents a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, signaling the complete renewal of creation as the old order passes away (Revelation 21:1) godsbless.ing+1. The absence of the sea symbolizes the removal of chaos, evil, and separation, reflecting a world fully restored to God’s order and peace godsbless.ing+1. This imagery echoes Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 65:17, which foretold God creating new heavens and a new earth godsbless.ing+1.

The New Jerusalem

Verse 2 introduces the holy city, the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven, described as a bride adorned for her husband. This symbolizes the intimate, covenantal relationship between God and His redeemed people, portraying unity, holiness, and divine love godsbless.ing+1. The city represents the perfected dwelling place where God’s presence fills everything, eliminating the need for a temple because God Himself is fully present biblestudytoolbox.com.

God’s Presence and Comfort

Verse 3 emphasizes that God will dwell with His people, establishing a direct, personal relationship: “they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God” godsbless.ing+1. This highlights the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore fellowship with humanity and the ultimate triumph over sin and separation.
Verse 4 offers profound comfort: “He will wipe away every tear…death shall be no more…mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore” godsbless.ing+1. This assures believers that all suffering, grief, and mortality will be eradicated in the new creation, providing hope and encouragement for enduring present trials.

Theological Significance

• Renewal and Restoration: The passage underscores God’s power to make all things new, not merely repairing the old world but creating a perfect, eternal reality Enduring Word+1.
• Hope and Encouragement: It reassures believers that present hardships are temporary and that God’s ultimate plan is a world free from sorrow and death godsbless.ing+1.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: The vision fulfills Old Testament promises and aligns with the broader biblical theme of God’s final victory over sin and chaos godsbless.ing+1.
  In essence, Revelation 21:1-4 invites believers to envision a future of eternal peace, joy, and divine presence, encouraging faithfulness and hope as they await the ultimate restoration of all creation.

Thanks for stopping by today, Friends. Have a blessed day in Jesus!

Amen and Almen! Thank you God!