Psalm 90:12

Context
Psalm 90 NIV
A prayer of Moses the man of God.
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born
    or you brought forth the whole world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
 
3 You turn people back to dust,
    saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”
4 A thousand years in your sight
    are like a day that has just gone by,
    or like a watch in the night.
5 Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—
    they are like the new grass of the morning:
6 In the morning it springs up new,
    but by evening it is dry and withered.
 
7 We are consumed by your anger
    and terrified by your indignation.
8 You have set our iniquities before you,
    our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 All our days pass away under your wrath;
    we finish our years with a moan.
10 Our days may come to seventy years,
    or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
    for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 If only we knew the power of your anger!
    Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
12 Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
 
13 Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
    Have compassion on your servants.
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
    that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
    your splendor to their children.
 
17 May the favor[a] of the Lord our God rest on us;
    establish the work of our hands for us—
    yes, establish the work of our hands.
 
Footnotes

• Psalm 90:17 Or beauty

 
Devotional
In 1 Peter, he began his teaching about spiritual gifts with a reminder: “The end of all things is near” (4:7). That's a powerful reminder. We don't have unlimited time. Every morning we wake up, we have one less day on this earth than we did before. We don't know how many days God has given us. We don't know how many opportunities we'll have. We don't know how many people we'll encounter who need encouragement, prayer, help, or the gospel. But we do know this: Our days matter. Sometimes we say, “One day I'll serve.” One day I'll teach. One day I'll get involved. One day I'll share my testimony. One day I'll step out in faith. But one day isn't guaranteed. The enemy doesn't always have to get us to do something terrible. Sometimes all he has to do is keep us distracted. Keep us comfortable. Keep us waiting. Keep us saying, “Maybe later.” But God has placed gifts inside of you for today. Don't wait for the perfect opportunity. Don't wait until you feel completely qualified. Don't wait until you're fearless. Use what God has given you with the time He has given you.

Reflect

• If I knew I had a limited amount of time left, what would I change?
• Is there something God has been asking me to do that I've been putting off?
• What is one opportunity I have today to use my gift?

Prayer
Father, teach me to number my days. Don't let me waste the time You have given me. Deliver me from procrastination, distraction, and comfort. Help me recognize the opportunities You place in front of me. I don't know how many days I have left, but I want the days I have to count for Your kingdom. Amen.