Life is fragile and fleeting. Moses, in this psalm, contrasts the eternal nature of God with the temporal nature of humanity. He writes earlier in the chapter, “You turn people back to dust, saying, ‘Return to dust, you mortals’” (Psalm 90:3). This stark imagery reminds us that our days are numbered and that our time on earth is limited. Yet this truth is not meant to discourage us but rather to awaken us to the preciousness of each moment.
Psalm 90:12 King James Version
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
When we truly grasp how short life is, it changes how we live. We begin to see our days not as an endless supply but as a finite treasure. Proverbs 27:1 echoes this sentiment: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” How often do we delay joy, forgiveness, or obedience because we assume there will always be more time? Moses’ prayer challenges us to live differently—to embrace today as an opportunity to glorify God and bless others.
Living with Purpose
The call to “number our days” is not about counting them obsessively but about making them count. It’s about living with purpose and aligning our lives with what truly matters in God’s eyes. In a culture that prizes productivity and achievement, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring our worth by how much we accomplish. But Psalm 90:12 invites us to measure our lives by a different standard—wisdom.
Wisdom in this context goes beyond knowledge; it’s about living in harmony with God’s will. It’s about discerning what is eternal versus what is temporary and choosing to invest in what lasts. Jesus Himself modeled this beautifully during His earthly ministry. He often withdrew from the crowds to spend time in prayer (Luke 5:16), showing us that even in a busy life, prioritizing God is essential. He also taught His followers to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) and not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). These teachings remind us that living purposefully means trusting God with our future while being fully present today.
Wisdom for Today
What does it mean to gain “a heart of wisdom”? It means allowing God’s truth to shape our priorities and guide our decisions. Wisdom helps us see beyond the superficial and focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God, our love for others, and our obedience to His Word.
Each day is filled with opportunities to glorify God through small but significant acts: offering a kind word, extending forgiveness, or simply pausing to thank Him for His goodness. These moments may seem ordinary, but they are sacred when done with a heart aligned with His purposes. As Ephesians 5:15-16 urges us: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”
Wisdom also teaches us humility. It reminds us that we are not in control of our lives—God is. This awareness frees us from the pressure of trying to orchestrate every detail of our future and allows us to rest in His sovereignty.
Trusting God Daily
The Israelites’ journey through the wilderness provides a powerful illustration of daily dependence on God. When He provided manna from heaven (Exodus 16), He gave them just enough for each day—not more or less. This daily provision was a lesson in trust—a reminder that God would meet their needs one day at a time.
Similarly, Jesus taught His disciples to pray for “daily bread” (Matthew 6:11), emphasizing the importance of relying on God for today without being consumed by worries about tomorrow. Trusting God daily doesn’t mean ignoring future responsibilities; it means surrendering them into His hands while faithfully stewarding what He has placed before us now.
When we trust God for today’s needs—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—we experience His faithfulness in tangible ways. This trust deepens our relationship with Him and fills our hearts with peace.
Practical Steps to Live for Today
Here are some practical ways we can apply Psalm 90:12 in our daily lives:
- Begin Each Day with Prayer
Start your morning by inviting God into your day. Ask Him for wisdom and guidance as you navigate your responsibilities and relationships. - Focus on What Matters Most
Take time to evaluate your priorities. Are you investing your energy in things that have eternal value? Seek opportunities to love others and share Christ’s light. - Practice Gratitude
Gratitude shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance. Take time each day to thank God for His blessings—big and small. - Be Fully Present
Resist the urge to multitask or rush through your day. Slow down enough to notice God’s presence in ordinary moments. - Trust God’s Timing
Surrender your worries about tomorrow into His hands. Trust that He is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28).
A Heavenly Perspective
Psalm 90 ultimately points us toward eternity—a reminder that this life is not all there is. Our days on earth are preparation for an everlasting home with God. When we live with eternity in mind, it transforms how we approach each day. We begin storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20) rather than clinging tightly to earthly possessions or ambitions.
Jesus’ parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) serves as a sobering reminder of what happens when we lose sight of eternal priorities. The man spent his life accumulating wealth but failed to prepare his soul for eternity—and his life ended suddenly without warning.
Let us learn from his mistake and live wisely, numbering our days so that they reflect God’s glory and prepare us for the joy that awaits us in His presence.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: The Gift of Knowledge: A Divine Path to Wisdom and Understanding
Quote of the Day: “God never said the journey would be easy, but He said the destination would be worth it”
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of today—a day filled with opportunities to know You more deeply and serve You more faithfully. Teach us to number our days so that we may live wisely and intentionally, bringing glory to Your name in all we do. Help us trust You fully for tomorrow while embracing today as a sacred gift from Your hand. May our lives reflect Your love and grace as we journey toward eternity with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture Reading for the Day
Psalm 88 King James Version
1O lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:
2 Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;
3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
4 I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:
5 Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.
6 Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.
7 Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.
8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
9 Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: Lord, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.
10 Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
11 Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?
12 Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
13 But unto thee have I cried, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.
14 Lord, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?
15 I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
16 Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.
17 They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.
18 Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.
