A Heart of Wisdom…

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Our Verse of the Day has impressed on me the necessity of getting still before the Lord and spending some quite time alone with Him each morning before starting the day. If we want to hear from God, then we need to consider having a time be quiet and away from any distractions. Yes, we need to be willing to listen for the voice of truth to fill us with wisdom for the day ahead….

Psalm 90, as we have seen in previous study, is entitled A Prayer of Moses – the Man of God.  It begins Book IV of the Psalms (90-106).  The theme of this Psalm reflects on the temporal existence of human life and the eternal being of God our Creator.  The writer observes: “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” (Verse 10) Indeed, what any of us will experience in this life is uncertain at best.  For me, this past year has been a prime example of enduring the unexpected; and I have been reminded to keep life in perspective … to understand that our time on this earth is finite and uncertain. To apply this understanding to our hearts will afford us the wisdom needed to have full, productive lives for the glory of God.  It will cause us to be more intentional to live each day for the purposes of God … to carry out our Kingdom assignments with passion and diligence.

I believe God wants us to simply to recognize that each day of life is a precious gift! Regardless of our individual circumstances, it is to be received with thanksgiving and used for accomplishment of the good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Cf. Ephesians 2:10) I especially like how Paul articulates the idea: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship (reasonable service).” (Cf. Romans 12:1) In view of God’s mercy reminds me of another passage of scripture.  It speaks to the deepest hope of each day of life: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion: therefore, I will wait for Him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him: it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. (Cf. Lamentations 3:22-26)

Indeed, we need perspective. We need wisdom.  And so, I pray that we will be vigilant to practice the spiritual disciplines that will keep us intimate with the Lord … abiding in Him and He in us.  Let us resolve each day to spend personal time with God in prayer; to study and meditate upon His Word; and to minister our gifts and talents to those we encounter along the journey.  Let us be the instruments of healing and deliverance that God desires His servants to be. Yes, let us be intentional to be His Body in this world in 2023! Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. ~ Psalm 143:8