Year in the Bible Daily Reading:
Exodus 25-27; Psalm 90; Philippians 1 Listen to Today's Reading
Psalm 90:1-12
Lord, you have been our dwelling-place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn us back to dust, and say, ‘Turn back, you mortals.’ For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night. You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. For we are consumed by your anger; by your wrath we are overwhelmed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance. For all our days pass away under your wrath; our years come to an end like a sigh. The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger? Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due to you. So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. Psalm 90:1-12 (NRSVUE)
“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a wise heart.” This is the voice and wisdom of the only Psalm written by Moses. The entire passage talks about the everlasting nature of God compared to the brevity of our lives. Our years end “like a sigh.” A God who sees 1000 years as yesterday. Mortality juxtaposed against Immortality.
As someone solidly in their 60’s, my social media feed consists of all the things that are meant to get the attention of a person in their waning years. Retirement advice, Medicare advice, Grandparent advice, geriatric health advice – even cremation insurance has popped up.I am fully aware of my place in the universe. So…these verses resonate with me. I hope I have a wise heart at this point in my life. I am truly aware that my days are numbered.
But what if we could have this awareness at an early age? Afterall, God’s desire for us is to pursue an understanding of his will by always walking in fellowship with him. Making better choices would certainly save us from certain temptations and heartaches in our lifetime, as the scripture here says, “toil and trouble.” But more to the point, the life God has envisioned for his children, walking with him and knowing the richness of a life in Christ – this is the life we miss out on when we choose to ignore God along the way. And we only have so much time.
My grandchildren visited us this summer. Granddaughter Noa proved to be the one needing the most activity. Sometimes downtime meant movies or TV, but we were very focused on providing better alternatives. On hot and rainy days, when we would say no to “telly,” we always had options. We would tell her that she could paint, color, play dolls, play games…and so forth. Knowing that their visits are only temporary, I too spent a lot of my time painting, climbing inside of a small dollhouse, wearing tiaras, playing Candyland and Cooties, and whatever else this imaginative four-year-old had in mind. My daughter and I refer to this as “quality” time. You could even say it might be intentional. I want my time with them to be memorable.
I think that is what God is saying in these passages. Be intentional with your life, your entire life - have an eternal outlook, as your life here is temporary and brief.
One more note, when I was hugging Noa for the last time, I asked her what I was going to do now that we were going to be separated by time, fully expecting her to say that I would cry and miss her and plan for the next time. Not missing a beat, she said, “Nona, you can paint, you can color, you can play house…” In other words, I can be intentional.
Questions for Reflection:
- How do we live a life focused on walking with God?
- What are some things we can do to help us value our God-given time on earth?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please help us know how rewarding our life could be if we spent it in pursuit of knowing you better. As we come to terms with the brevity of life, help us to appreciate your wisdom, mercy and significance in our lives.
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