“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90: 12 ESV)

Psalm 90 is a prayer offered by Moses on behalf of Israel as he considered the 40 years that they had wasted in the wilderness, frequently disobedient to the Lord. The main problem was that they would not trust God enough to move into the promised land. Rather they became fearful and complained, despite the encouraging report given by Caleb and Joshua that “we should go up and take possession of the land for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30).

We can lose our most effective timing and greatest blessings while whining and complaining. This first Exodus generation wasted 14,600 days (40 years) due to fear, which the Lord viewed as contemptuous behaviour. God judged Israel for their mistrust (verses 14-12, 20-23)

In his prayer Moses asked the Lord to redeem the lost time for the next generation of Israelites: “Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil.” (Psalms 90:15) Steve Jobs, though he was a highly successful man, faced a terminal illness — a shrinking lifespan. Being a meditative man, contemplating his remaining time, he became very focused:

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.” Steve Jobs

David praised the Lord when he fathomed God’s presence in his foreordained life and acknowledged His creation of him. He also knew that his time remaining was preordained and measured: “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them” (Ps 139:16 ESV) The following table depicts the approximated remaining 24 hour days left based on our current age, knowing that the Lord has numbered our particular allotted time on earth.

Charles Stanley, a great leader, and preacher continues to minister weekly. In his eighties, he frequently warns those who have deferred acceptance of Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour from sin. He admonishes to accept the gift of  eternal life, emphasizing that “you may not be alive tomorrow”. If you are not yet a Christian, this will help you find peace when you wondering “how long do I have?” or if you face an illness. When we begin to comprehend God’s Grace we are moved by love, which alone is The Motivation for Accepting Jesus

Consider your age and consider the days that you have remaining on this earth to serve the Lord and expand His kingdom, advocating the Gospel, helping the poor, encouraging others, while meeting your goals. Let’s learn to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Moses was 120 years old when the Lord took him. Don’t gamble your time away without rational purpose. You may not have quite that long.

If you doubt or fear death: The Manifesto of God’s Love

Using our time wisely: Living in view of the Second Advent of Christ

Why I take time seriously: My Testimony