Numbering Our Days: Living with Eternal Perspective

By Dean Collins

As we get older or when we are struck with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, we often consider the shortness of our lives. Of course, we know that death comes to everyone, but we tend to think it is way out there. As we age, “way out there” suddenly looks right around the corner. And an unexpected loss of a friend or family member tends to remind us of the value of the time we have and that we would do well to embrace and celebrate each moment. 

Psalm 90 appears as the first chapter of book four of the Psalms, which speaks to God’s beloved in a post-exile period. After the destruction of Jerusalem, and having seen the temple destroyed, there is a need for a strong reminder of who God is, how he acts, and how all of life must be surrendered to God’s love in view of the eternal perspective of God, where we are reminded: “From everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, ‘Return, O children of man!’ For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.”

In this psalm we find comfort, perspective, and clarity about life with God today and in the future. While we tend to only think of justice in regard to others who we believe need corrected, in this Psalm we must remember that God’s justice meant that even those living in proximity to the temple felt the justice of God because of their unwillingness to repent of their idolatry and their mediocrity in regard to their allegiance to God and his commands. 

We find comfort because even after the exile and destruction of the temple, this Psalm frees us to run to God after our failures and in the midst of our losses because God is a God who loves us, shows mercy to us, gives us the days and years of life, and will one day make us glad as we stand before him in eternity.

And in this Psalm we find clarity about what is important and not important. We pray for God to help us number our days, that we both realize that our time here is fleeting and yet the things we do in this short space of time have eternal reach in the lives of others and in God’s ongoing renewal and restoration of all things for all time.

In the last week, I have sat with some who face the uncertainty of a loved one’s time in this broken world. They know their family member’s longing to be with the Lord and with loved ones who have gone before. But they also know of his love and determination to serve Jesus and his church faithfully until his last breath.

I have also listened and prayed with friends who experienced the sudden loss of family members and wondered, “why now?” And just last week I listened to one who has been healed of cancer after a significant and difficult series of chemotherapy and hours of critical surgery. These conversations challenge me to see whether I make it to 70, 80, or more only matters if I surrender these days and years to the Lord so that those in my view may see the work of the Lord and his glory through my humble offering of service.

So today, Lord, we thank you that you chose to come and dwell with us and now in us through the power of the resurrection and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Today, we ask that you order our days, beginning with today where we pray you order our steps. Lead us to places and people where we might serve and love in your name and for your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your Time with God’s Word
Psalm 90:1-17; John 11:25-26, 14:23; 1 Corinthians 15:52-58 ESV

Photo by Pexels
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.