Suddenly and much too early - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
Psalm 73:19

Suddenly and much too early
In 1912, Friedrich Ebert (1871–1925) was elected as a member of the German Reichstag for his constituency Elberfeld-Barmen; 7 years later, he became the President of the Reich. Personal hostilities, slander, and the ongoing crisis of the young German Republic took a heavy toll on his health. He lacked the time to recover because duty repeatedly called him to responsibility. On February 23, 1925, he was admitted to hospital with pain in the area of his appendix and underwent surgery. Five days later, he was dead – yet he was still urgently needed.

Many obituaries stated: “suddenly and unexpectedly”. From our perspective, lives are all too often “brought to desolation, as in a moment”, as today’s verse expresses. Whatever our circumstances, even if we live a healthy lifestyle: we must always be prepared for a sudden end – each one of us. Even young people can be unexpectedly struck by death. No one should expect death to “announce” itself.

Shouldn’t each of us then make provision? Not merely in the form of a will or a testament to benefit those who remain after we have died, but provision for ourselves so that we know where we will be after death.

The psalmist knew that life could end very suddenly and unexpectedly. But he also knew how it would continue for him: “My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (verse 26). He experienced God’s presence not only in the daily circumstances of his life, but he also knew himself to be safe with God in death and in the life to come. This prospect is also open to everyone today who trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour.

Today’s reading: 1 Chronicles 3:1-24 · Psalms 79:1-7