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Teach Me To Number My Days - Psalm 90
Teach Me To Number My Days - Psalm 90
While many of the Patriarchs lived to hundreds of years, (read again Genesis 5), yet we have watched that number decline as the generations passed. Here the Psalmist writes that the average of 70-80 was normal. Us in the 21st century have seen it climb in America and now many are reaching the 90 year mark, and 100 is not uncommon anymore. Yet, the popular phrase of Genesis 5 still is certain: “and he died.”
It is appointed unto man once to die, and then the judgment (Heb. 9:27). We WILL stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2Cor. 5:10). I will die.
I am now in the 70-80 year ending time! I plan on lasting at least until 102 (I simply want to outlive what my grandmother made). Yet, in the end (at least for me), I will die. What then? THAT IS THE QUESTION. That depends upon what you are doing NOW. We cannot undo the past, we control not the future, we have TODAY.
The writer of Ecclesiastes encouraged those who were young: “Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things” (Ecclesiastes 11:9).
Such in fact is good advice for those who are no longer young. We too can enjoy a godly life. We can have life and vitality of heart. We yet can be an example and an influence to those around us.
Whether we 19 or 99, no matter our physical age, the Psalmist’s advice is good: “ So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Psalms 90:12). How will you use today?
Hugh DeLong
