“…For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” Psalm 90:4
Dear Ones:
How important is a day? How important is it that the day be begun aright, and finished well? Lastly, HOW then is the day to be lived?
In Psalm 90, Moses puts time in perspective, with respect to the eternity and sovereignty of God: “…for a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” (v.4) For God time is VERY small, almost totally eclipsed in eternity. Why then is “time” important? First of all, its value is set by the One who created it. “And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day….And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was VERY GOOD.” (Gen. 1:5,31) The essence and quality of time has been declared by God to be “very good,” hence, time is of great value, because of the worth that God put upon it. Secondly, time has a purpose. It is an opportunity for the purposes of God to be accomplished on this earth.
Realizing something of the value of time in the economy of God, Moses prays: “So, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Ps. 90:12) What does it mean to seek wisdom in the use of time? It means that we first seek God, for Him to show us how to live, and what we are to do, trusting Him for it. This is why Moses prays: “Return, O Lord, how long?” (v.13) The call is for the very real intervention of the Eternal God in the present circumstances. Secondly, and specifically, he prays, “Satisfy us EARLY (soon) with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” (14) Why does he pray this? “For the joy of the Lord IS our strength.” Thirdly, he prays for the revelation of God to the heart and mind: “Let Your WORK appear unto Your servants.” (v.16) It is imperative that the servant KNOW the will of God, and as a result, His works. Fourthly, he prays for the revelation for the children of God’s servants to SEE the glory of God. God must become a reality to them (and us…). For this they must have a vision, or clear perception of Him. Fifthly, he prays for “…the beauty of the Lord our God to BE upon us.” (v.17) Why? Because our lives are a book read by all men. They need to taste and SEE that the Lord is Good…they need to see the reality of Christ in us. And lastly, Moses prays: “…establish the works of our hands.” (v.17) He prays this twice. Why? Because what is done by God will last. It is the eternal GOD who is at work IN us to will and to do of His good pleasure.
So, how are we to live this unique, singular day, couched in eternity? By prayer and faith…going forward, believing God wholly for the full out working of His will. The Lord Jesus said, “I have finished the work which You gave me to do.” May we be such as pray and work to this end, to know and to do the will of God by prayer and faith.
Dear Father, enable us to begin every day in specific prayer, believing that this is pleasing to you. Strengthen our hearts, not only to believe, but to truly receive by faith that which we ask of You. Work in us today in a wonderful way, so that Your name be honored, You kingdom come, and Your will be done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad