Time

Time

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12, NIV

If we set out to bake cupcakes with our children, we teach them to measure correctly. Why? The way we measure affects the outcome of the cake. God’s Word teaches us that the way we measure our lives affects the outcome of our hearts. In the verse above, we’re taught to number our days “aright.” That word is significant. We all number our days (by years), but what does it mean to do it “aright”? The preceding verses in Psalm 90 help us see the plan:

1. Realize that God lives forever. History comes and history goes, but God is eternal, and he exists far above the events on earth. No matter what generation a person lives in, he always has the opportunity to choose God as his dwelling-place, his eternal refuge.
2. Realize that our earthly lives are temporary. In verses 3-6, our lives are likened to dust, a watch in the night (about three or four hours long), and grass that springs up in the morning but withers at night.
3. Realize that our life only counts for eternity if we choose to be in proper relationship with the God of eternity. Because God made us in his image, if we choose to honor him with our lives, they can mean something and accomplish something. Our brief lives on earth can help to further his kingdom—especially through lives of the children he has given us.

Using our time correctly now determines the outcome of our hearts eternally!

Father,

Psalm 90:12 is an appropriate prayer for us each day of our earthly existence: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Thank you that even though we are frail humans, we can choose to be connected to the eternal God through faith in Jesus Christ! Amen.