“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom….” (Psalms 90:12)

I don’t fully understand the depth of Moses’ thoughts in writing this psalm; but I do know that He is believed to have written it at the end of his wilderness wanderings, and that he also had some sort of glimpse into how frail we are, and how short our days really are in this life, when compared with eternity.

I remember hearing my grandfather often quote vs. 10 of this psalm, “The days of our years are threescore and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years….”

It was believed, even from ancient times, that the average lifespan was 70 years.

Moses wasn’t writing it as a promise or a limit; but he was wanting to put emphasis on the frailty of life…. “yet is their strength Labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”

If you and I were to realize and understand how frail we are, do you think it would change how we live this life?

The psalmist said, “teach us to Number Our Days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.”

Spurgeon quotes of this verse: “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 little pains number and tell their coins, and yet they are persuaded that their days are infinite and innumerable and therefore never begin to number them.”

This is a wisdom that comes when we really consider our own frailty and become acquainted with He who is Everlasting.

Lord, help us live with the awareness that we are only here for a little while and then no more. Give us an eternal perspective, that we may make the most of the time that we yet have here. May it be for your honor and glory.

Peace and Grace to You,

Pastor Lowe