Numbering Our Days

Have you ever stopped to consider how much time you really have left - and more importantly, how you’re using it?

Bible Verse

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

Devotional

Psalm 90 is a unique Psalm attributed to Moses and stands as a meditation on the brevity of human life in contrast to the eternal nature of God. In verse 12, Moses prays that God would “teach us to number our days,” a phrase that carries profound wisdom.

To number our days is to recognize their fleeting nature of life and to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. This isn’t a call to be anxious about time slipping away but rather an invitation to align our lives with God’s eternal perspective. Moses, who had witnessed the rise and fall of generations in the wilderness understood that human life is brief, and wisdom is found in using our days rightly before the Lord.

This verse resonates with the ancient Latin phrase memento mori, meaning “remember that you will die.” Early Christians and philosophers used this phrase not to foster despair but to cultivate humility, wisdom, and a clear-eyed view of life’s priorities. It was a reminder that life is fragile and temporary, and that each moment is an opportunity to live with purpose. This aligns perfectly with the biblical call to live in light of eternity.

When we embrace the reality of our mortality, it shouldn’t lead us to fear but to faithful living. By keeping our mortality in mind we’re reminded that the things of this world are passing away while the things of God remain forever (1 John 2:17). In this sense, memento mori isn’t a morbid thought instead it’s a wise and biblical one that calls us to invest our time in what truly matters.

The second half of the verse reveals the purpose of this awareness “that we may get a heart of wisdom.” In biblical thought, wisdom isn’t merely intellectual knowledge but the ability to live rightly to fear the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and to make choices that honor him.

A life well-lived isn’t measured in years but in faithfulness in seeking God’s kingdom and in walking in obedience. Jesus echoes this principle in Matthew 6:19-21 when he instructs his followers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

The wise person understands that what’s eternal matters far more than what’s temporary and that perspective shapes their life accordingly. This verse also challenges the modern obsession with distractions, trivial pursuits, and the illusion of endless time.

Much of contemporary life is consumed with entertainment, ambition, and the pursuit of personal comfort often at the expense of deep, meaningful living. But Moses reminds us that our days are finite, and each moment is an opportunity to invest in what lasts… our relationship with God the love we show others… and the way we live out our calling. Paul echoes this idea in Ephesians 5:15-16 when he exhorts believers to “walk wisely” and “redeem the time.”

A heart of wisdom understands that every day is a gift and the only regret in the end will be time wasted on things that didn’t matter. And so, numbering our days isn’t about dwelling on death instead it’s about living fully in light of eternity. It means evaluating our priorities shifting our focus to God’s purposes and walking in step with his will.

When we understand that life is short, we begin to live differently not in fear but with intentionality, gratitude, and a commitment to finishing well. This wisdom doesn’t come naturally; it has to be taught by God through his Word and Spirit. And when we learn to number our days rightly according to God’s will we’ll find that our lives bear fruit for the kingdom bringing joy in this life and reward in the life to come.

Key Principle

Living wisely means recognizing that our days are numbered and choosing to invest in what matters most: our walk with Christ, loving others, and fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.

Personal Reflection Question

Are you living with an awareness that your days are limited, or are you drifting through life as if time is unlimited? What would change if you started numbering your days with an eternal perspective?

Action Step

Take a few minutes today to evaluate how you’re spending your time. Identify one area where you need to be more intentional whether in your faith, relationships, or priorities, and make a small but meaningful change today.

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