Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom

When the conversation inevitably turns to the saying that time goes faster as you get older, I often jokingly say “I'll let you know when I get there!” Having already exceeded my allotted threescore and 10 years, I am fully aware of how rapidly time passes!

For me this is not a cause to fear. It’s not that long ago as I was recovering from a bout of aggressive prostrate cancer that a friend said to me “You’re not afraid to die are you!” And I’m not, there’s a real sense in which I look forward to it. I don’t mean this in a morbid sense, but I have confidence that I am accepted in the beloved, and as the Scripture says perfect love casts out all fear. Nevertheless this verse from Psalm 90:12 speaks to me this morning.

For me, it’s important to live in the perspective of eternity. I know that I must appear before the judgement seat of Christ. Oh my salvation is secure, but I know that I may gain or lose my reward (1 Corinthians 3). What I want, more than anything else on that day, is to hear “Well done good and faithful servant enter into the joy of your Lord.” If I lose this perspective of eternity, it is very easy to slip back into foolishness. Knowing that I am accepted, and yet that I must give an account of my life on that day, helps me to live more wisely.

Father, teach me to number my days, that I may apply my heart to wisdom in the fear and joy of the Lord in Jesus name amen