August 5 - Psalm 90-92
"The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:10–12)
Psalm 90 is the oldest psalm in the Bible, written by Moses, the great servant of God. Having witnessed the rise and fall of nations, the deaths of countless Israelites in the wilderness, and the faithfulness of God through every generation, Moses understood better than most the fleeting nature of human life. In verses 10–12, he reflects on the brevity of our earthly existence and calls God's people to live wisely in light of eternity.
Moses observes that the average lifespan is "seventy years," or "eighty years" for those blessed with unusual strength. Even a long life, however, is characterized by "labor and sorrow." This is not a pessimistic outlook but a realistic one. Ever since sin entered the world through Adam, human life has been marked by hardship, disappointment, sickness, and death. No matter how successful or comfortable a person's life may appear, every life eventually comes to an end. As Moses says, "it is soon cut off, and we fly away."
The brevity of life should remind us that our time on earth is limited. Every birthday, every gray hair, and every passing year silently proclaims that life is moving swiftly toward eternity. James echoes this truth by describing life as "a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14). Because our lives are so short, they should never be wasted on pursuits that have only temporary value.
Verse 11 reminds us that death is not merely a natural event but a consequence of God's righteous judgment upon sin. Moses asks, "Who knows the power of Your anger?" Few people truly appreciate the seriousness of sin or the holiness of God. Yet those who fear the Lord understand that life must be lived with reverence and accountability before Him. Every person will one day stand before God to give an account of how they have lived.
Therefore, Moses prays, "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." To number our days is not simply to count them but to recognize their value. Wisdom is gained when we realize that every day is a gift from God and an opportunity to glorify Him. Wise people invest their time in what will endure eternally by serving others, proclaiming the gospel, growing in holiness, and storing up treasures in heaven.
Psalm 90 calls believers to live with eternity in view. Since life is brief, we should not delay repentance, neglect our relationship with Christ, or squander opportunities to serve Him. The brevity of life should produce urgency, humility, and faithful obedience. May God teach each of us to number our days wisely so that, when our brief journey on earth is finished, we may enter His presence having lived lives that honor and glorify Him.