MARKING TIME

 Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days aright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

                Time flies, as the old adage goes. The older we get, the truer that statement becomes. Although a single day may feel like it is dragging, the months and years seem to move on at light speed. We often look back and wonder what happened to the time.

                In Psalm 90, Moses reflects on life and the brevity of time. He seems to be struggling with what we struggle with; time flies. Listen to his words.

The length of our days is seventy years--

or eighty, if we have the strength;

yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,

for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

Psalm 90:10

                 Moses’ conclusion is that we need to learn to value the time we have and manage it well. I think it is ironic that Moses said that the span of our life is 80 years, yet he lived to the ripe old age of 120. More and more people are living well past 80 these days. We know a lady who is 103. With this in mind it is ever more important for us to number our days.

                We can waste the time we have or we can invest that time. If we just coast along, we will look back on our lives and wonder where the time went. If we intentionally invest our time, when we are old, we can look back and rejoice over how we used our time. As a friend is fond of saying, life is about collecting memories. We are all collecting memories. Our memories will be filled with either joy or regret depending upon how we have used our time.

                Moses asked God to teach him to see his life in the right perspective. We need to same help. We need to ask God to teach us how to invest our time in things that matter. Paul challenges us to be wise in how we use our time. Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

                We only have so much time to make a difference in our world. The daily choices that we make will determine if we invest our lives well or foolishly. To be very honest, when we look back over our lives it will be a mixed bag. None of us are focused and on task all of the time. But we can determine to use our time wisely. We can look for opportunities to invest our lives in others and in ways that bring glory to God.

                When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, he responded with a two-part answer. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)

                The clock is ticking for all of us. We cannot stop it or slow it down. But we can maximize the time by living wisely. Then when we stand before God’s throne, we will hear those words, well-done good and faithful servant.

Psalm 34:12-14

Whoever of you loves life

and desires to see many good days,

keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from speaking lies.

Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.