“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
Dear Ones:
David, like Moses, often wrote and taught on the same subjects, those pertinent to consider with regard to our existence, and purpose, for being on this earth. One of those subjects which seems to surface throughout Scripture has to do with the smallness, almost insignificance of man. For example, David writes in Psalm 103, “For He (God) knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” (v.13) Dust is a very small thing when you compare the entirety of the earth with it! And yet, though the nations are as Isaiah described them, “…as a drop of a bucket, and counted as the small dust of the balance,” (40:15), we find that the whole of the Bible, this testimony of the presence and person of God to man, is directed and provided that man might KNOW his creator, his God. But, how can one so small know One who is so great? And, how can the use of every single day, be a means to attain this goal?
We know little of what transpired during the forty years that Moses lived in the wilderness of Midian, after fleeing Egypt. What we do know is that he became a shepherd of sheep, was married, and had two sons. We do not know at what time he wrote Psalm 90, but probably during the last forty years of his life. The psalm is born out of a rich experience of fellowship with God, and consequently a knowledge of His ways. One thing we glean from the Psalm, which joins David’s thoughts concerning the subject of time, is that there is a prayer to be made concerning how we use the time given to us by God. Though, as Moses declares, “time” may be prolonged on this earth because of the strength of the individual, yet there will come a day when “…we fly away,” we will go to our Maker and Redeemer. The question then arises, “How am I to live on this earth, in accordance with the reason for which God made me, which will serve to glorify and honor Him?” The answer lies in Moses’ prayer.
The first petition in Moses’ prayer is for God to teach him concerning the limit of time on this earth. He calls it, “…numbering our days.” This is the first essential, to realize the gift of time, and to see it as an opportunity to receive from God all that is necessary, to use it well. There is in that first petition also the underlying need for wisdom, the wisdom of God. For how can a day be truly lived well without the wisdom given by God?
Secondly, Moses prays for God to return (intervene), and to “Satisfy us early with Your mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” (v.14) Moses’ call to God is one for the fullness, completeness of His blessing, “early,” now. It is an appeal to God’s mercy, the only certain basis for God responding to the cry of the heart. It is in the receiving of the “joy of the Lord,” that strength is given to go forward in faith.
Thirdly, Moses prays for revelation, the unveiling of the “work,” and will of God. The second part of this petition has to do with the revelation of God’s presence, His glory. The knowledge of the will of God, and His work, coupled with the manifestation of His presence to the heart, is essential to follow Christ.
Fourthly, Moses calls upon God to put the very manifest beauty of His person on the believer, the very evidence of His blessing. This blessing continues in response to the very concrete, specific petition, for the “establishment of the work of our hands.” Twice he prays this, for that which God establishes, will last, for time and eternity.
Dear Father, teach us the importance of time, the value of the gift, and the opportunity that is afforded by Your intervention, and provision. Meet us today, so that we may use well the time afforded us, for Your glory and honor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad