Numbering Our Days
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
Numbering our days is not simply counting off the time we have spent on earth. We have a calendar that can accomplish that task. It is not looking forward or having a countdown for a big event. I believe that we are born with a certain number of days assigned to us. That number is not shown to us until we are on the other side.
Imagine what life would be like if we knew that date!
What if this verse really is not focused on fretting about time but about gaining insight? What if we are to use our days to garner more wisdom? How have we used our days so far? What have we been seeking?
Moses wrote this Psalm and it’s one of the oldest. He was considered an honorable man in God’s eyes. Their relationship was something to be admired. Yes, he made some mistakes along the way and he paid dearly for them all. However, he was always focused on leading God’s people to the Promised Land. He was astute enough to realize he needed to keep moving and throughout each day, he gained more leadership skills and improved his skills with God’s help.
The finiteness of man was a concern for Moses. He wanted to make sure that he did his best during his allotted time. It was important to him that people realized the truth about God’s infinity. Moses wanted his people to live sensibly and within the laws etched into those tablets. From living within those boundaries, they would become more prudent—wiser.
When I get to heaven, I want to have a long chat with my hero, Moses! He chose a higher road. He let God lead. He probably gave an accounting of each day in his prayer time and asked God to forgive, show mercy and grace, and give him clearer direction if possible. He had to learn about justice and how to establish fairness while dealing with that group of whiners. I picture him with his face lifted heavenward and having on-going conversations with His God.
Yes, in his final days, I believe he had a heart overflowing with wisdom.
Father, thank You for those who have gone before us and left footprints in our hearts. Help us to not major in the minors but to seek You and Your wisdom every day. AMEN.