In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to take time for granted. We often find ourselves caught up in the busyness of life, constantly rushing from one task to another. But what if we were to pause and reflect on the value of time? What if we were to consider how we use our time and whether we are making the most of it? In Psalm 90, we find a powerful reminder of the brevity of life and the importance of using our time wisely.
The opening verses of Psalm 90 set the stage for a reflection on the paradoxical nature of time. The psalmist acknowledges that God is eternal, existing from everlasting to everlasting. In contrast, human life is fleeting, like a dream or grass that withers and fades. We are reminded that our time on this earth is limited, and we must make the most of the days we have.
The psalmist goes on to express the brevity and challenges of human life. He speaks of God's anger and wrath, acknowledging that our days pass away under His judgment. He laments the toil and trouble of life, recognizing that even in our strength, our years are limited. Yet, amidst this sobering reflection, the psalmist offers a glimmer of hope and wisdom.
In verse 12, the psalmist prays, 'So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.' This simple yet profound request holds the key to making the most of our time. When we realize that our days are numbered and that our time is finite, we are compelled to use it wisely. We gain a heart of wisdom that enables us to prioritize what truly matters.
This wisdom is not about cramming more activities into our schedules or achieving a certain level of productivity. It is about recognizing the value of each moment and investing our time in things that have eternal significance. It is about cultivating meaningful relationships, serving others, and pursuing a life of purpose and impact.
To illustrate the power of numbering our days, we can look to the example of Randy Pausch. Randy was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University who, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, gave a now-famous lecture titled 'The Last Lecture.' In his lecture, Randy shared his insights on life and the importance of making the most of our time.
Randy's words echo the sentiment of Psalm 90. When we realize that our time is limited, we are motivated to live well and live fully. We are inspired to make the most of each day and seize opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.
One of the most significant ways we can use our time wisely is by giving it away. Time is a precious gift, and when we give it to others, we demonstrate love, compassion, and generosity. Whether it's spending quality time with our loved ones, volunteering in our communities, or investing in meaningful relationships, giving our time has a lasting impact.
However, giving our time is not just about being physically present. It's about being fully present. It's about giving our undivided attention, listening with empathy, and engaging with others wholeheartedly. When we give our time in this way, we create meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging and significance.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live like Jesus lived and love like Jesus loved. Jesus exemplified the value of time by giving His all for us. He gave His time, His energy, and ultimately, His life so that we could experience forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.
In Luke 8, we see Jesus interrupting His journey to heal a woman who had been suffering for twelve years. Despite the pressing urgency of another task, Jesus gave His full attention and compassion to this woman. He demonstrated the power of giving time and showed us what it means to love sacrificially.
As we reflect on the value of time, let us strive to imitate Jesus in how we use our time. Let us be intentional about giving our time to others, being fully present, and making a difference in their lives. By doing so, we not only honor God but also find greater joy and fulfillment in our own lives.
Psalm 90 is a powerful reminder of the brevity of life and the importance of using our time wisely. When we realize that our days are numbered, we gain a heart of wisdom that enables us to make the most of each moment. By giving our time to others and living with intentionality, we can leave a lasting impact and experience a deeper sense of fulfillment.
So, let us embrace the value of time and strive to live well and live fully. Let us number our days and use our time wisely for the glory of God and the betterment of others. May we be inspired by the example of Jesus, who gave His all for us, and seek to imitate His love and generosity in how we use our time. In doing so, we will find that our time is not wasted but invested in what truly matters.
Let us make the most of our time, for it is a precious gift that should not be taken for granted.
