Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.

Psalms‬ ‭90‬:‭12‬ HCSB

We are comfortable with quantifying different parts of our life . . . retirement accounts, goals and figures, number of reps in a workout, our personal best times . . . yet, the psalmist gives us a different focus.

Thomas Tymme wrote, “Of all arithmetical rules this is the hardest—to number our days. Men can number their herds and droves of oxen and of sheep, they can estimate the revenues of their manors and farms, they can with a little pains number and tell their coins, and yet they are persuaded that their days are infinite and innumerable and therefore do never begin to number them.”.

Spurgeon attributed the authorship of Psalm 90 to Moses.  He wrote, “Moses was peculiarly a man of God and God’s man; chosen of God, inspired of God, honoured of God, and faithful to God in all his house.”  Moses’ prayer was one of focused, single-minded purpose . . . learning from instruction, living with intention and leaving an investment.

Instruction.  

The conviction to calculate our contribution is not intuitive, but instructional.  The psalmist desired, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” (‭Ps‬ ‭90‬:‭12‬ NLT).  We sit at the feet of our Master-Teacher learning the meaningful treasures of His immeasurable Truth.  These are found in God’s Holy writings;  “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (‭2 Tim‬ ‭3‬:‭16-17‬ NLT), and fortified by The Holy Spirit; “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬ ESV)

Intentional.  

Rejecting passivity and accepting responsibility places us on a purposeful path.  Our fearful insecurity in an uncertain society is assuaged when we follow our ever-present Savior.  Moses reminds us of resting in our Redeemer, “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” (‭Ps 90‬:‭14‬ NIV)  David Dickson wrote, “The comfort of the believer against the miseries of this short life is taken from eternal covenant of redemption settled in the purpose and counsel of the blessed Trinity.”

Investment.  

Moses stated, “May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.” (‭Ps‬ ‭90‬:‭16‬ NIV)  A lasting legacy is a meaningful measurement of our life.  Thomas Dale wrote, “To number our days is not simple measurement of our lives . . . but it is to take the measure of our days as compared with the work to be performed, with the provision to be laid up for eternity.”  British author and publicist, Michael Portillo said, “You never quite know what you do in life that leaves a seed behind that grows into an oak tree.” Our eternal investment begins with our everyday contributions.  

This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to attend my 50th High School Class Reunion.  The friendships of some from kindergarten and the memories of many were surreal. And, we took a moment to remember those who were no longer with us. We reminisced.  We reflected.  We rejoiced.

Life is short. The greatest legacy is a heart focused on God, founded in grace and fixed in goodness.

Deliberate.  Intentional.  Purposeful.  Passionate.

As we take an accounting of this day, may it move beyond accomplishments, social influencing, decisions made or money gained or given.  

May the sum of all our efforts add up to a life of learning, living and loving.