Number our days
Today's focusMoses asks God to teach us to number our days for a heart of wisdom, to satisfy us with his mercy, and to establish the work of our hands.
Read
12So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 13Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants. 14O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. 16Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. 17And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
Reflection
As a new year begins, the psalmist offers a humble request: "So teach us to number our days." This is not an invitation to worry about how much time you have left, but a prayer to "apply our hearts unto wisdom." When you recognize that each day is a gift from God, you can live with greater purpose and focus. Instead of being overwhelmed by the passing years, you are invited to ask the Lord to "satisfy us early with thy mercy." His kindness is what allows you to "rejoice and be glad" regardless of what the seasons bring.
Even when you face difficult times or "years wherein we have seen evil," you can look for God’s "glory" to be revealed to you and your children. The passage concludes with a beautiful plea for God to "establish thou the work of our hands." You do not have to strive in your own strength to make your life meaningful. As "the beauty of the LORD our God" rests upon you, He brings lasting value and stability to your daily efforts.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
If you 'numbered your days' this year, what would you want to spend more of your time on — and what less?
Pray
Lord, teach me to number my days so that I may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy me early with your mercy, that I may rejoice all my days. Establish the work of my hands this year.