Teach us to number our days...

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Simply put, life is demanding. Attempting to balance responsibilities and relationships can be extremely challenging. It calls for time and energy resources for certain, but the unseen emotional weightiness that accompanies each can often require far more. Life is heavy and complex; there are so many moving pieces, and yet seemingly so few moments for thoughtful reflection. One can call a timeout for processing’s sake, but guaranteed the rest of the world will keep right on going.

It can be downright overwhelming, and if I’m honest, that’s where I find myself this morning. The “to-do” list is ever before me. I feel behind on projects at work and at home. Yet, as I diligently work toward getting caught up, I struggle to move at the desired expedient pace because my heart and mind are flooded with so many thoughts. I’m not sure what to do with it all at times, nor do I know how to articulate it. I just long to be found faithful, so I desperately plead for God to intervene and do that which only He can. As always, He offers direction in His word…

Like a warm blanket for a tired and weary soul, the Lord sends reprieve and delivers guidance through Moses; teach us to number our days. As Scripture reminds us elsewhere, our days are fleeting (Ecclesiastes 11:10). Though some hours and weeks seem as though they’ll never end, the truth is this: life is short and our days are limited. Might we make the most of what we have left and prioritize and structure our lives in healthy awareness of our transient existence.

Lord, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. The request for such self-recognition is based upon a desire for God to develop within us a deeper experiential knowledge of our King and a faithfulness that exalts His name and accomplishes His will. Perhaps God allows us to feel the hour at hand fading so that we will in turn look to Him for help. On the days that our finite, temporal nature is apparent to our souls and we are too overwhelmed to know where to go next, might we be reminded of the source of our wisdom and strength – our all-powerful, all-knowing, enduring Savior.

Father, teach us to prioritize our lives in light of the cross. Oh, how we need wisdom and direction! May we always sense our desperation for You as you grow us in Your grace and truth. For our joy and Your glory, this is our prayer today.

Matt Fowler - Family Pastor of High School