Time is a gift from God, yet it often feels fleeting and elusive. The Psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 90:12, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom,” calls believers to reflect on the brevity of life and the eternal purposes of God. How should we view our days here on earth? In this blog, we will explore the importance of numbering our days, what that means, and how this wisdom shapes our lives.
Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty Over Time
We should begin by acknowledging God’s Sovereignty over all things, including time. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Our days are not random; God ordains them. To number our days rightly is to recognize that each is a gift our Creator carefully planned. As Job declared, “Man’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed” (Job 14:5). This understanding humbles us and directs our hearts toward dependence on God.
The Brevity of Life and the Wisdom of Eternity
Psalm 90 contrasts God’s eternal nature with the fleeting nature of human life: “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” (Psalm 90:10). Reflecting on the brevity of life is not meant to lead us to despair but to wisdom. It is right and needful for us to view life through the lens of eternity. Our days on earth prepare us for eternal communion with God (2 Cor. 4:17-18). By numbering our days, we gain a heart of wisdom that prioritizes what truly matters: glorifying God and enjoying him forever.
The Whole Point of Our Existence
Many people try to define special purposes for living. Some say work, others family, others personal development, and yet others success (depending on how they define success). While all these are good, none of them was God’s intended chief end for man. Our Chief end has two aspects: to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and to enjoy him forever. Numbering our days does not necessarily imply obsessing over time. Instead, it’s an exhortation to live purposefully in light of God’s call. The Westminster Shorter Catechism reminds us that our chief end is “to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” This perspective transforms mundane tasks and fleeting moments into acts of worship. Whether working, resting, or serving, we are called to steward our time for God’s glory; that’s the whole point of our existence.
Redeeming the Time in a Fallen World
Ephesians 5:15-16 exhorts believers to “look carefully at how we walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Time is often wasted on trivial pursuits or sinful distractions in a fallen world. We should challenge ourselves to redeem the time by aligning our priorities with God’s will. This involves regular self-examination, prayer, and immersion in Scripture. By seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), we ensure that our days are spent on things of eternal value rather than fleeting pleasures.
Trusting in God’s Eternal Plan
Numbering our days also means resting in the assurance that God’s plan for our lives is perfect. Romans 8:28 assures us that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” While we are called to be diligent, we are also called to trust God’s providence. Time is not ultimately in our hands. This truth frees us from anxiety about the future and gives us the confidence to live daily in faith and gratitude.
A Legacy of Faithfulness
Numbering our days, finally, also involves considering the legacy we leave behind. In Psalm 78:4, God’s people are called to “tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, his might, and the wonders he has done.” The same emphasis on covenantal living (passing on the faith to future generations) is seen in Deuteronomy 6. By numbering our days, we intentionally invest in relationships, disciple others, and share the gospel, ensuring that our lives bear fruit for God’s kingdom.
To number our days is to live with wisdom, purpose, and an eternal perspective. Rooted in the sovereignty and providence of God, this practice transforms how we view time and shapes how we live. As we reflect on the brevity of life and the magnitude of eternity, may we echo the prayer of the Psalmist:
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” (Psalm 90:17).
By grace, may we live each day for God’s glory, stewarding our time in light of his eternal purposes.
