Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may
gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
(NLT)
Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we
may grow in wisdom.
During
the generations from Adam to Noah, it was not uncommon for the average lifespan
of man to reach the 800s or 900s. After the great flood, man’s lifespan was
reduced to about 120 years. This was not immediate but occurred gradually
during the generations from Noah’s sons until just after Abraham’s family. Here
in the United States, the average lifespan of
men and women in 1950 were 65 and 71, respectively. The latest Google
information today has our current average lifespan standing at 79 years of age.
However,
as I read this scripture, I am drawn to the second phrase of this verse. The
reason for understanding the brevity of life is to give us a renewed purpose
for living. Wisdom is far more than knowledge. It includes synonyms such as
common sense, discretion, levelheadedness, and prudence. The reason we are to
understand how short life is, is that we are not only to use our time wisely,
but we are also learn how to use our head in making decisions that lead us
closer to our Heavenly Father and further away from the world’s ideals.
This
is quite possibly why Paul encouraged Timothy not to have anything to do with
foolish and stupid arguments because they lead to quarrels (2 Timothy 2:23); to
continue in what he had learned and been taught since childhood (2 Timothy
3:14); and to keep his head in all situations (2 Timothy 4:5). This is wisdom.
Life is too short to dwell on the negative. We are to be busy working toward
God’s kingdom, which will be here soon—all in God’s perfect timing.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Too often we misplace
our focus on the aches and pains of growing old. Yet your word encourages us
that our brevity of life teaches us to focus on those things which are
important to you. Renew our purpose for living. Guide us as we draw closer to
your Kingdom.
In Christ’s name we
pray, Amen.
Respectfully written and submitted by
Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of
Christ’s return!
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