Psalm 90:12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

At my age, one becomes more aware of time limitations. God is not bound by time for He is everlasting (vs. 2). A thousand years from God's viewpoint is described in verse four, "For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night." The Apostle Peter expresses the same truth in the context of God's future judgment upon the earth when he says, "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (2 Peter 3:8) James speaks of the brevity of life in James 4:14(b) "For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

All of this can be condensed down into the fact that we must realize life is short and we must therefore be certain to apply our hearts unto wisdom. The Psalmist is telling us to be cognizant of where we are on the time line of life, and live according to the dictates of wisdom. Barnes' Notes on the Bible states the prayer of the Psalmist is: "...that God would enable us to form such an estimate of life, that we shall be truly wise; that we may be able to act "as if" we saw the whole of life, or as we should do if we saw its end. God sees the end - the time, the manner, the circumstances in which life will close; and although he has wisely hidden that from us, yet he can enable us to act as if we saw it for ourselves; to have the same objects before us, and to make as much of life, "as if" we saw when and how it would close. If anyone knew when, and where, and how he was to die, it might be presumed that this would exert an important influence on him in forming his plans, and on his general manner of life. The prayer is, that God would enable us to act "as if" we had such a view."

Where are you on life's timeline? Is your life, under normal circumstances, 30%, 50%, 70%, 90% complete? We must apply our hearts unto wisdom because of the brevity of life. Let me encourage you to not waste any days. Live life wisely, accomplishing and doing the will of the Lord. Please heed the command of Ephesians 5:17, "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."

Have a great day applying your heart unto wisdom.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. How would you estimate the manner in which you have lived thus far?

2. Take a moment to realize where you are on the timeline of life if 85 is normal.

3. Do you live with the end of life in view? What should you change? Where could you improve?