Sermon:Teach Us to Number Our Days

Scripture Focus: Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses, the man of God. In it, Moses reflects on the brevity of human life compared to God’s eternal nature. Psalm 90:12, specifically, serves as a powerful reminder of life’s fleeting nature and our need to approach it with a sense of wisdom and purpose. When Moses asked God to “teach us to number our days,” he was not merely talking about counting time; he was asking for a deep awareness of life’s preciousness so that we can live wisely and intentionally for God’s glory.

Context of Psalm 90:

Moses wrote this psalm during a period of wandering and hardship in the wilderness. Israel’s disobedience had led to God’s judgment, and they faced the consequences of their sin. In these circumstances, Moses gained a deep understanding of human mortality and the necessity of living in accordance with God’s will. His prayer for wisdom is as relevant today as it was then, calling us to reflect on how we use our time and what truly matters in life.

Main Message:

1. Life’s Brevity and God’s Eternity:
   • Moses begins Psalm 90 by acknowledging God’s eternal existence: “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Psalm 90:2). In contrast, human life is depicted as short and fragile: “You sweep people away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning” (Psalm 90:5). This stark contrast highlights the importance of numbering our days.
   • James 4:14 echoes this reality: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” The brevity of life should prompt us to focus on what truly matters: our relationship with God and fulfilling His purposes for our lives.
2. Gaining a Heart of Wisdom:
   • Moses connects the act of numbering our days with gaining wisdom. But what kind of wisdom is he referring to? It is not merely worldly knowledge but a God-centered understanding that leads to right living.
   • Proverbs 9:10 reminds us: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” To gain a heart of wisdom is to live in reverence for God, to make decisions that honor Him, and to prioritize His will over our own.
3. Prioritizing What Truly Matters:
   • When we recognize the limited nature of our days, we are compelled to live intentionally. Ephesians 5:15-17 emphasizes this truth: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Paul calls believers to walk carefully and wisely, making the most of every moment in service to God.
   • Our time on earth is not to be squandered on trivial pursuits. Instead, we should seek God’s guidance in how we invest our time, talents, and resources. Each day is an opportunity to grow in faith, serve others, and make an eternal impact.
4. The Hope of Eternal Perspective:
   • While Moses acknowledges human frailty, he also points to hope. Psalm 90:14 says, “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Despite life’s challenges, God’s steadfast love is our source of joy and strength.
   • Paul offers a similar perspective in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” When we live with an eternal perspective, even the brevity of life is put into its proper context. We are citizens of a heavenly kingdom, and every moment here is preparation for eternity.

Practical Application:

1. Seek God’s Wisdom Daily:
   • Make time to read Scripture, pray, and seek God’s direction each day. Ask Him to reveal how you can make the most of your time and honor Him with your life.
   • James 1:5 offers this encouragement: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” God is willing to grant us wisdom if we earnestly seek it.
2. Live with Intentionality:
   • Evaluate how you spend your time. Are you investing in relationships, serving others, and growing in faith, or are you consumed by distractions and worldly pursuits?
   • Colossians 3:2 reminds us to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Let your focus be on God’s kingdom and His purposes.
3. Leave a Legacy of Faith:
   • Consider the impact your life has on others. Are you leading people to Christ, encouraging those around you, and modeling a life of faith and integrity?
   • Psalm 39:4-5 says: “Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.” Use your days to point others to the eternal hope found in Christ.

Conclusion:

Psalm 90:12 is more than a call to recognize life’s brevity; it is an invitation to live wisely and purposefully for God’s glory. As we number our days, may we seek God’s wisdom, live with intentionality, and focus on eternal matters. Let us not waste the time given to us but use it to grow in our faith, serve others, and fulfill God’s will.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Help us to live with intention, seeking Your will and prioritizing what truly matters. May our lives reflect Your love and point others to the hope we have in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.