SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1091

“Numbered Days”

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

Psalm 90, penned by Moses, is rich with meaning and perspective. Our reference Scripture verse is bracketed by the worshipful acknowledgement of the Sovereignty and eternal nature of God and by a keen awareness of the frailty and temporal nature of humankind. Given this perspective, he asks to be taught how to live properly.

So teach us – Do you have a teachable spirit? We can be so prideful at times that we refuse to learn from God. All too often we are too preoccupied with our to-do lists and self-imposed priority deadlines that we choose to not sit and learn from the Lord. Remember Martha and Mary? Mary sat at the feet of the Lord being taught by Him. …Martha was distracted with much serving…but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her. – Luke 10:38-42

Prioritize your day to be taught by the Word of God. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, – 2 Timothy 3:16

To number our days – The original Hebrew word means to count or reckon. To reckon means to come to a conclusion following a calculation. We cannot count what we do not yet have or know the extent of time allotted to us. Therefore we can only conclude that we should not live with reckless abandon expecting that there will always be a tomorrow. Teaching us to number our days is being made aware of how fragile, frail, and finite we are in this body on earth.

O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath…yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. – Psalm 39:4-6; James 4:14

That we may get a heart of wisdom – Do you treasure His Words of Wisdom? The purpose of being taught to number our days is to gain a heart of wisdom so that we can live out each moment of time we have according to His will and purpose and for His glory.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. – Proverbs 2:6; Ephesians 5:15-17

We are living in some trying and difficult times right now with the Covid 19 pandemic. For many of us, our future plans and activities that preoccupy our days have all but disappeared as we shelter in place. Take this ‘quiet time’ opportunity to be taught by the Lord to number your days and seek a heart of wisdom to know how to live them out in accordance with His will and for His glory.

May the Lord bless and provide for you and keep you safe!