Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” This verse teaches an important truth – that we should ask God to help us number our days so we can gain wisdom. Here are some key reasons why we should want God to teach us to number our days:
It leads to wisdom
When God teaches us to number our days, the result is that we gain a heart of wisdom. Wisdom is so important because it helps us make good decisions, discern right from wrong, and walk in God’s ways. Wisdom comes from fearing the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and learning from His word. When we acknowledge the brevity of life and depend on God daily, we grow in heavenly wisdom.
It reminds us life is short
“Numbering our days” means recognizing that life is fleeting and short. Moses notes in Psalm 90 that the length of our days is 70 years or 80 if we’re strong (Psalm 90:10). Compared to eternity, our life is extremely brief. Numbering our days helps us remember that life is a vapor (James 4:14) and we only have a little while on this earth. This perspective leads us to make the most of our time and invest in that which is eternal.
It keeps eternity in view
When we number our days, we remember that eternity is coming. Psalm 90:12 ties numbering our days with getting a heart of wisdom. The wisdom in view is living in light of eternity. Keeping heaven and hell in view motivates us to redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16), share the Gospel, and store up treasures in heaven. Numbering our days keeps our focus on the eternal state, not just earthly pursuits.
It makes us value each day
Since life is short, every day is a gift from God that we are not guaranteed to have. When we number our days, each day becomes more valuable. We realize we only have so many days on earth to live for God’s glory. This makes us more intentional about how we spend each day. We strive to make each day count for what is eternally important. Numbering our days helps us treasure each day God gives us.
It encourages good stewardship
When we recognize that our days are numbered by God (Psalm 139:16), it motivates us to be good stewards of our time. We only have so much time, so we must use it wisely. Numbering our days will cause us to be vigilant in how we spend our time. It will push us to make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16) and say no to time wasters. Stewarding our days well leads to an abundant, fruitful life.
It spurs us to prepare to meet God
Numbering our days reminds us that we will one day stand before God and give an account (Romans 14:12). This motivates us to prepare well to meet our Maker. Are we ready to meet God? Numbering our days leads us to get right with God, share the Gospel, and walk obediently. When we view life as short, we understand the urgency to be ready to stand before the Lord.
It prompts us to pray for wisdom
The act of numbering our days causes us to recognize we need God’s wisdom to live well. Thus, it leads us to pray as Moses did that God would “teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Since life is short, we desperately need the Lord’s wisdom to make our days count. Numbering our days reminds us to lean on Him fully for the wisdom we lack.
It fights against pride and arrogance
When we don’t consider the brevity of life, we can become prideful and arrogant thinking we have lots of time. But numbering our days combats this attitude. Recognizing that our life will soon pass away keeps us humble. Our days are numbered, so there’s no time for pride or selfish ambition. Numbering our days helps us live humbly in the fear of the Lord.
It loosens our grip on the world
It’s easy to hold on too tightly to the things of this world. But when we number our days, we realize everything on earth is temporary. Our time here is fleeting. This loosens our grip on material things and keeps us from overvaluing the temporal. Numbering our days reminds us that earth is not our home and helps us set our minds on the eternal.
It deepens our gratitude to God
When we consider that every new day is a gift from God we are not owed, it makes us profoundly grateful. Instead of taking days for granted or feeling entitled to more time, numbering our days fosters thankfulness. We did nothing to deserve another day of life. This gratitude overflows into praising God for His abundant grace and mercy in granting us time.
It makes the most of opportunities
Numbering our days helps us discern our priorities and seize opportunities. When we recognize that our time is limited, we become diligent to make the most of whatever opportunities God puts before us that day. We don’t have time to waste. Numbering our days allows us to invest our time well and make the most of each open door God provides.
It leads to repentance and renewal
Considering the brevity of life often leads to repentance as we realize how we’ve wasted time or failed to walk closely with God. Numbering our days humbles us and prompts us to repent and experience renewal. It aligns our heart back to God’s will and refocuses us on living for His glory. Numbering our days is a catalyst for spiritual revival.
It gives wise perspective amid suffering
Numbering our days doesn’t just benefit seasons of ease but also suffering. When experiencing trials and grief, numbering our days reminds us pain is temporary. Our life is fleeting, so the trial will pass. This can encourage us to persevere and have hope. Numbering our days anchors us in God’s eternal perspective when we face sorrow.
It helps us invest in future generations
Since life is short, numbering our days reminds us to steward a legacy and invest in future generations. We only have a small window to impact those coming behind us. Numbering our days spurs us to pour into our children, share wisdom with younger believers, and leave an enduring spiritual inheritance for those to come.
It celebrates life as a gift
We can easily take for granted the amazing gift of life and time God gives us. But numbering our days cultivates a celebratory mindset that each day is a blessing we didn’t earn. This leads us to rejoice in God’s goodness and celebrate the privilege it is to be alive today. Numbering our days fosters a joyful heart.
In summary, numbering our days is a biblical key to gaining wisdom and living well. When God teaches us to number our days, we remember life is short and keep eternity in view. This perspective leads to treasuring each day, preparing to meet God, and making the most of our limited time for God’s glory. Numbering our days is a vital discipline that yields great spiritual fruit.
