Key Points
- A population-based study found first-time stroke rates among adults ages 20 to 54 nearly doubled over 27 years in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky study population.
- Psalm 90 teaches Christians to recognize the brevity of life so that limited days lead to wisdom rather than fear.
- Caring responsibly for our health can be an act of stewardship, but good health cannot provide complete control over the future.
- Christians should resist both neglecting their bodies and making physical health an idol or source of ultimate security.
- Numbering our days means using our time faithfully while entrusting tomorrow to the God who remains trustworthy when our bodies and circumstances change.
Most people worry about having a stroke as they age. In a new study published by the University of Cincinnati in September of 2026, however, strokes among adults ages 20 to 54 have risen sharply over the past few decades. According to the research, “first-time stroke rates among adults aged 20 to 54 nearly doubled over a 27-year period, rising from 33.9 cases per 100,000 people in 1993–1994 to 62.2 per 100,000 in 2020.”
While these results are shocking, they point to a truth Psalm 90:12 urges us not to forget: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (NIV). As human beings, our lives are fragile, our days are limited, and our bodies are gifts from God. But He doesn’t ask us to number our days so that we live in fear. He tells us to number our days so that we will live lives of wisdom.
Knowing this, how should the fragility of our lives change the way we care for our bodies, minds, and souls? Furthermore, how should it change what we invest in and spend the rest of our days? Is it truly possible to trust God with a future we can’t control?
What Do Rising Stroke Rates among Young Adults Show?
Published online September 23, 2026, in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, the University of Cincinnati found that strokes among those ages 20-54 have nearly doubled over almost three decades. Though unsettling, the study's goal isn’t to imply that every young adult is in immediate danger or at risk of having a stroke. Rather, the purpose is to inform everyone so they are aware.
As Christians, these findings invite us to consider something even more poignant. From the beginning of time, the Bible has been clear that our lives are temporary.
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV).
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14, NIV).
“Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10, NIV).
“For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:24-25, NIV).
Throughout each of these examples, we see something Scripture has never hidden from us: Our time on this earth is limited. And yet, we often live as though we will always have more time.
We say we will talk to that friend tomorrow because we’re busy today. We say we will start taking care of our bodies next year because then it’ll be a new year and a new us. We ignore pursuing what matters because right now we want to pursue what we desire. Reconciling with those we love falls to the back of the list because it’s hard. And following God? Well, there will always be time later, right?
The realization that strokes are happening earlier actually reminds us of something Scripture has always known: the goal isn’t to be scared of death, but to become more intentional about who and what we’re living for.
Our Bodies Are Fragile
In Psalm 103:14, we read these words: “For He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust” (NIV). Every human being in this world is remarkable. Our bodies were hand-crafted by God’s mighty power. And yet, we’re not invincible.
Sometimes we, as Christians, struggle with this tension because we want to be strong. We want to be good Christians who do all the right things, check all the boxes, and are there for others. But the uncertainty between faith and physical vulnerability can be difficult to confront.
This is why we pray for healing, but we also acknowledge that these earthly bodies won’t live forever. We will experience illness, age, aches and pains, and inevitably, death. Someone having a stroke doesn’t mean they didn’t trust God enough or pray or believe hard enough. Remember, mortality is part of being human in a messed-up, fallen, and broken world.
So while yes, our bodies are gifts from God and we have reason to rejoice in that, these gifts aren’t guarantees. And that’s good news. Because it permits us to care for our health without making it an idol.
What Does Psalm 90 Mean by Numbering Our Days?
The phrase “teach us to number our days” comes from our key passage found in Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (NIV). But numbering the days we have on earth doesn’t equal obsessing over how many days we have left. Rather, it’s an awareness that makes us wise. It’s recognizing that we can’t do it all and our days will have limits.
Instead of jumping blind into every day’s tasks, to-dos, and concerns, try asking yourself these questions:
-How am I stewarding my time, talents, and energy?
-What am I postponing that I say I’ll do later?
-Who needs to know I care and love them now?
Numbering and knowing our days isn’t a death sentence, but it should make us live more intentionally.
How Should Christians Care for Their Bodies without Living in Fear?
Sadly, when we realize our bodies won’t last forever, we can fall into 1 of 2 extremes: ignoring our bodies or obsessing over them.
If you’re someone who ignores your body, you’ve likely thought, “It’ll be fine.” You don’t watch what you eat, ignore calories and portion sizes, and never work out. You may even avoid medical care, ignore concerning symptoms, and treat exhaustion as something you just need to work harder to push through. But is neglecting sleep, nutrition, movement, stress, or preventative care really what God meant when He said to care for our Temples well?
Similarly, if you’re someone who is consumed by health, you’re constantly monitoring your symptoms. You may sleep well, exercise, and eat well, but at the cost of addiction and consumption. You live in constant fear of what could happen, believing that perfect health is something you can achieve if you control enough aspects of your life.
A biblical stance on these two views is actually somewhere in the middle: It’s stewardship without obsession. It’s caring for your body well without being addicted to it.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says it this way: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (NKJV).
This command isn’t saying we should achieve perfect physical health or ignore it altogether—it’s saying that because our bodies belong to God, we should care for them well.
What Does Wise Stewardship of Our Health Look Like?
Stroke rates may continue to rise, but as they do, we can use this as an opportunity to listen to our bodies. No matter what age we are, we aren’t invincible—even the young ones among us. Likewise, feeling good or fine doesn’t mean we should skip out on prevention or stop caring for the Temples God has given us. Routine care, daily exercise and good nutrition, as well as seeking medical care, aren’t failures of faith. But wisdom requires us to pay attention, ask questions, and seek help when needed.
Wisdom also means paying attention to our time. While we often think of this stewardship in terms of money, possessions, and talents, what if we looked at it in light of time? Time to care for our bodies? Time serving others? Time pursuing our call?
In Ephesians 5:15-16, we see this warning: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…” (NIV).
It’s so easy to spend our limited days obsessing over our bodies or ignoring them. Endlessly scrolling or ignoring everyone. Working ourselves into a state of exhaustion or waiting for “someday.” Putting our family, friends, or relationships on the back burner, or chasing approval. But God doesn’t call us just to be productive, to be productive. He’s called us to make the most of our time by spending it on what He’s actually asked us to do.
We don’t need to squeeze the most out of every day, but we do need to be faithful. And perhaps being faithful starts with letting go of control over those days.
How Can We Trust God with a Future We Cannot Control?
God desires for all of us to care for our health and bodies well. We can and should exercise, go to appointments, work hard, eat well, sleep, and make wise decisions. But at the end of the day, our trust must rest in Christ alone. Because nothing else will give us control over tomorrow.
James 4:14-15 says it this way: “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes…” (NIV).
Doesn’t sound very comforting, does it? But James isn’t trying to create a sense of panic or uneasiness; He’s reminding us of our limitations.
Yes, we should steward our temples. Yes, we have responsibilities. Yes, we need to do what we can. But faith says, “God, I’m not in control. I will do my part, but I trust you with the rest.”
So, what would numbering our days look like for you? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Take your health seriously. If you’ve been ignoring your health, make an appointment. Pay attention to symptoms. Build slow and healthy habits over time. Daily walks. Lots of water. Good sleep. And nutritious food. We take health seriously not because we’re scared of death, but because we want to steward the bodies God’s given us well.
Reconsider where your time is going. Take a look at your calendar and analyze where you spend the most time. What changes should you make? Are you making time to care for yourself and those around you?
Make room for what matters. Who or what do you need to make room for in your life? God? People? Rest? Service? Calling? Fun? As you release the illusion of control, do what you can and leave tomorrow with God.
Are You Living Awake?
The data from UC News is striking nonetheless. Nothing is settling about a rise in strokes, no matter how old its victims are. But we don’t have to respond with denial or fear. Instead, let us learn to respond with wisdom.
Life is short. Absolutely. Our days are fleeting; life is like a mist, and our days are numbered. But will we be faithful stewards with the days we do have? With our bodies? Communities? Family? Friends? Calling?
Our lives are fragile, but God is not. And while our bodies, circumstances, plans, and futures can change and fail, God never does. He can help us live as if every day matters, because it does. Teach us to number our days, Lord. Not so that we know how many we have left, but because that outcome rests in your hands.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Please teach us to number our days, not in a sense of fear or control, but in surrender. Give us hearts of wisdom that live this life well. Please help us to care for our bodies and those around us without obsessing over them. Our time isn’t promised, but our future with you is. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Agape, Amber
If you or someone around you develops sudden signs of stroke, seek emergency medical help immediately. CDC recommends remembering B.E. F.A.S.T.: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Strokes Increasing among Young Adults?
A University of Cincinnati-led population study found that first-time stroke rates among adults ages 20 to 54 in its five-county study population increased from 33.9 per 100,000 person-years in 1993–1994 to 62.2 in 2020.
What Does It Mean to Number Our Days?
Psalm 90:12 connects numbering our days with gaining wisdom. It means recognizing that life is limited and allowing that awareness to shape how faithfully we use the time God gives us.
Is Caring for Your Health a Lack of Faith?
No. Christians can seek medical care and make wise health decisions while remembering that physical health cannot guarantee the future or replace trust in God.
Does 1 Corinthians 6:19 Teach Christians to Exercise and Eat Well?
First Corinthians 6:19–20 primarily addresses sexual holiness and the truth that believers belong to God. The broader principle that our bodies belong to God can inform stewardship, but the passage is not a direct command about diet or exercise.
How Can Christians Face the Fragility of Life without Fear?
Christians can acknowledge physical vulnerability, make wise decisions, use their time faithfully, and place ultimate security in Christ rather than in perfect health or control over tomorrow.
For Further Reading
- Why Do We Need to Be Taught to Number Our Days?
- What Does the Bible Say about Keeping Our Physical Body Healthy?
- What Does “Your Body Is a Temple” Really Mean?
- What America’s Retirement Anxiety Reveals about Trusting God with Tomorrow
- A Reflection on Psalm 90 During Difficult Times
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Radu Florin
