Time is ticking away

READ PSALM 90

Psalm 90:10-12 (ESV)

¹⁰ The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.¹¹ Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? ¹² So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

"Like sand through the hourglass, these are the days of our lives."

That's a pretty dramatic way to put it, but it's true. I suppose that's why one of the most popular soap operas of all time chose to start each show with that line. When we begin living out our days as children we have this feeling of invincibility and we hardly give time any thought at all. But as we age we become more aware of how fast the days are flying by. This really starts to happen when you begin looking through pictures of memories past. A trip that you thought took place just a few years ago is actually 5, 10, 15, or 20 years behind you now.

"Where did the time go," you ask yourself.

The Lord knows exactly how many days each of us will spend on this earth, but we don't. The only thing we can control is to take advantage of each day and live it to the fullest. I'm reminded of a song by singer/songwriter Chris Rice. In his song Life Means So Much, he writes:

Teach us to count the days Teach us to make the days count Lead us in better ways

Somehow our souls forgot

Life means so much

The words are obviously inspired by our Psalm for today. Psalm 90 paints a picture of the Lord and He is from 'Everlasting to Everlasting' while we are reminded that from the dust we came, and to the dust we shall return. But don't let that grim thought bring you down. Instead, make a decision to make the most of the days you have left and to serve the Lord with all your might. He created you and put you on this earth for a reason, so why not leave this place better than you found it?

How can you do that?

I believe the best way to do it is to wake up with an intentional plan to walk with the Lord, make decisions that are not self-focused, but God-centered, shine the light of Christ wherever you go, and make a difference for good in the lives of all the people you meet.

Each day is a gift, and each day is numbered. Hanging above our heads is an invisible countdown clock that only God sees. In our verses today we are told the years of life are around 70 years, maybe 80...if you are blessed you will receive even more than that! But again, instead of fretting about that why not use it as fuel to make the most of it?

40 years of living equals 17,155 days. There is wisdom in mapping out a way to best utilize every one of them. Psalm 90:12 asks the Lord to "teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

The prayer should be, "Lord, teach me how to use this day for your glory. I will walk where you show me to walk. Speak what you tell me to speak, and shine your light where darkness exists." There is wisdom in breaking down the time you have left so you can determine the best way to spend it. My goal is to live each day for the glory of God. He is the One who wakes me up. He is the One who gives me strength and breath in my lungs. In Him I live move and have my being. (Acts 17:28)

Time is ticking away, but the best part of life can come in the 4th quarter! Take advantage of the time you have left, and use it for the glory of God.

Josh Huisman is the senior pastor of Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, TN. If you would like to support this website and make it possible for this page to stay active and these devotions to reach a wider audience, CLICK HERE

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