Psalm 90:9-10,12 – All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years — or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (NIV)

A short time ago, I celebrated my eightieth year on this planet. Right now, it is the best age to be. In fact, I am so excited about being eighty years old that from now on, I will refer to myself as eighty years young. I know that I will need all the help that I can get if I am to maintain this attitude!

All my family, all fourteen of them — daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren — travelled — some a very long distance — to have a surprise birthday party for me. And what a party it was! The love and energy that were generated reached such a degree that I was truly overwhelmed by it all. I was blessed over and over again as they prayed for me and congratulated me. I am very grateful to have a loving God, a loving wife, and a loving family.

So, now that I am eighty, I am reminded that Moses was eighty years old when he spoke to Pharaoh to begin the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt. I find inspiration in the fact that Moses did not begin his life's work until he was eighty years old. He was spiritually mature and physically ready for this important task.

Just as Moses persevered through many challenging situations before leading the Israelites to freedom, we, too, must be willing to push through difficulties and setbacks, including illness, in order to grow and be transformed spiritually.

With new eyes and fresh understanding now, I read Psalm 90, which was written by Moses. In today's passage, he stresses how short life is for people in comparison with God's eternal nature. I immediately sensed a flood of renewed energy and strength come over me that I have not experienced in a long time. As I continued to read, I felt a strong desire to continue to gain a heart of wisdom.

Sometimes, we just have to allow the Holy Spirit to do His good work in us so that we can more effectively know Christ and make Him known as we allow Him to "teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we thank You for the life that You have given us. Each day is precious, so help us not to take it for granted. Help us to make wiser choices in what truly matters as we focus on eternal values and the impact that we can make during our brief existence here on this earth for Your honour and glory. May Your favour rest upon us. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Stephen French <sfrench3@telus.net>
Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
Send your feedback to the author