“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90 comes from Moses’ thoughts during a time in his life when he was trying to fulfil God’s direction to bring His people into the land of hope and joy. His words remind us that God is eternal: that the God of Eternity is the God who offers Himself as our home; the God of Eternity is the God of creation; and the God of Eternity is the God who is sovereign over history. Our point of reference for living a life full of joy and hope must always be on the God of eternity. Moses’ words also urge us to remember that we are not eternal, so we need God’s perspective of what constitutes a fulfilled life because of our mortality.
Moses had a unique outlook on life when he wrote Psalm 90. He had seen and experienced much. He struggled with unfulfilled dreams of wanting to enter into the promised land and spent the last 40 years of his life wandering in the wilderness. Yet he still managed to remind us to keep our eye on the prize, that is, keep our eye on God so that we may enter into His grace and blessing. To live a life of fulfilment, Moses suggests this prayer, “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12). The request states we need God to reveal to us the brevity of life so we may spend it in worthwhile pursuit of Him. The key to having God’s perspective “is a heart of wisdom”; seeking to know and accept God’s purpose and promises for us.
God’s desire for human beings is that we learn, grow, and seek wisdom. To obtain wisdom, we must fear God (recognize Godly wrath awaits those who die in sin), study his word, and prayerful desire to understand life from God’s perspective. As we learn to number our days, we will share that desire. Our meaning in life comes not through what we do but through the One for whom and through whom we do it. Apart from God, our few days are passed in futility.
We were created to walk in fellowship with God, discovering the mysteries and delights He has sprinkled throughout creation. When we live in harmony with Him, death is simply a change of address. Our enjoyment of Him continues when we step from this life into eternity. Those who have learned to number their days spend them pursuing wisdom, goodness, and the kingdom of God. They don’t have to fear the wrath of God when their earthly lives are over.
During the desert trek of God’s people, the people simply survived. However, they learned one unforgettable lesson; seek and rely on God. Their experience in the desert created a passionate desire to get into the promised land of God’s blessing. Easter reminds us that through God’s mercy, our lives have been redeemed from the curse of sin and the gift of eternity is given to those who believe. We pray that you desire to seek Godly wisdom to live in God’s goodness and grace so that He may be glorified and you may experience a fulfilled life as you await eternity with Him.