Psalm 90:12

Psalm 90:12 12 So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

So is an interesting word. When used at the beginning of a sentence, as in our verse for today, it marks a pause for us to consider. It’s an “IF-THEN” statement in the English language (a little for the geeks out there). IF the preceding is true THEN the next statement is true also. Methinks it is time for a recap of the preceding verses so we can understand the coming truth:

God is eternal-vs 2
Man is not – vs 3
Time is meaningless to God – vs 4
Time means everything to man – vs 5-6
God judges all of man’s sin – vs 7-9
Man’s life is short – vs 10
None of us understand God’s wrath toward sin – vs 11

Does that sum it up for us? Our lives are short and marred by the effects of sin and at the end of our lives we still face a judgment that none of us can comprehend. You with me so far? IF this statement is true (and it is) THEN what should our reaction be?

The answer is our verse for today, “So teach us to number our days”. We should be mindful of the time that we have left because it is quite possible that the days that we have left are fewer than the days that we have spent. Every second that we are given is precious because our eternity is based on how we spend them.

IF our time spent here on Earth is so important (and it is) THEN what should we do with it? ”That we may gain a heart of wisdom” our verse concludes.

What is wisdom? Is it being simply being smart? Is it simply being experienced? Look at Proverbs 9:10:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”

I like that verse. If we want wisdom and understanding then we simply have to explore God. By coming to know Him more we can understand everything in this universe more. That’s a wonderful thought, isn’t it? Getting back to our verse today – our very hearts are to be filled with the Lord’s presence. The heart is considered to be what motivates us and gives us life. Can you think of a better place for God to be? What would our lives look like if everything about us was driven to glorify God?

Let’s recap today’s truths. But before we do – some more for the geeks. I’ve been talking in a few IF-THEN statements today. Let me introduce you to one more - IF-THEN-ELSE. What’s the ELSE? The ELSE is what occurs if the THEN statement is false.

So here’s our recap…

IF our lives are short and we will be judged for our sin THEN we should treasure the time that we are given and spend it glorifying God ELSE we will spend eternity separated from Him in a place of punishment.

We leave off in the same place that we did last night (isn't it funny how it works out that way?). Repent from your sin and follow the Christ. Don’t waste the time that God has given you. Use it to glorify Him.

Grace and mercy to you