Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Daily reading assignment – Psalms 90-92
Today’s reading in Psalms, Psalms 90, 91 and 92, are among my favorite in the Book of Psalms; however, for the sake of brevity and application, my focus will rest upon the first.
Psalms 90 is a prayer and song of praise authored by Moses and is therefore the oldest of the psalms. The eternality of God as Creator (90:2) and the temporalness of man’s earthly life (90:3) are contrasted in the opening verses of Psalm 90.
When I was young I did not grasp fully the meaning of Psalm 90:4 – “For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night”; however, I have come to know all to well the fleeting of days, months, years and life itself.
When I was younger and anticipating milestones of life and achievement, time seemed to stand still; however, now that I am older, I realize a lifetime might pass and seem “as a watch in the night” (90:4) and our life “is soon cut off, and we fly away” (90:10).
Less someone be tempted to wallow in self-pity and sorrow for the years that are past and cannot be reclaimed, Moses sets forth a principle that should guide our future:
“So teach [help us to know and understand] us to number [make them count] our days [time; whether our youth or old age], that we may apply [give; attain] our hearts [understanding; i.e. thoughts] unto wisdom [discernment; i.e. wise in decisions and choices]” (Psalm 90:12).
How different our lives might be if we knew the day God has appointed for us to die! No doubt there are many things we treat as critical and consume us that in the scheme of life are insignificant at best. The same is true of moments and opportunities we give little thought to and treat as trivial that should be treasured. Whether we are young or old, every day is a gift of God’s loving grace and to be numbered and treasured.
Friend, let us set aside pettiness and treasure the life and opportunities God will give us this day. Let us love the LORD and love our neighbor. Let us express by our words and actions, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
Copyright 2017 – Travis D. Smith