“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
Looking for some direction and inspiration for 2016? Look no further. Have I got a Psalm for you: Psalm 90. This is Moses’ only contribution to the Psalms. And what a contribution it is.
Each day, I do pretty much all I can to avoid making eye contact with death. I don’t want to be reminded about death. I don’t want to be distracted.
But Moses would beg to differ.
As we overhear him pray in Psalm 90, we are surprised to discover that those who are most alive today are those who are most aware of the brevity of life, the certainty of death, the reality of judgment, and the greatness and grace of God. These people go into each day realizing the day is a gift from God and that each day might be their last. So they make the most of it by grace for his glory. Go figure.
Those Christians who make eye contact with death each day rather than looking the other way are most alive to God each day. This is the effect of numbering your days: it has a clarifying effect on your soul. You realize what really matters is to “get a heart of wisdom.” This verse, this practice is life changing stuff. I like how Michael Wilcox describes it in his commentary:
“The numbering of days is a lesson not in elementary arithmetic but in life-changing theology.”
This isn’t elementary arithmetic; this theologically-informed prayer is pregnant with life-changing potential. I don’t think you can consistently pray this prayer and ponder this psalm without your life being altered by this eternal perspective.
So if you are wondering what to pray in 2016 allow me to recommend this divinely inspired prayer by Moses. This is the best way to make the most of the days you have left.
This post is adapted from a sermon I preached at Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville entitled, “Numbering Our Days in 2016.”