Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.
In a few short hours we will pass from one year to another. For many there will be celebrations and fireworks while others may have a sense of monotony or even dread heading into another year.
Psalm 90 speaks much about our years and in fact includes the word “year” more than any other psalm. This is an apt verse for a day like today. Read over Psalm 90 and see how God speaks to you.
In this Psalm there is a key verse in number 12 that challenges me to count my days so that my days will count. It’s too easy to get caught up in meaningless things and therefore I have to be aware of the brevity of time if I want each day, each moment to count. Time and days move on with alacrity it seems the older I get. Although times moves at the same pace everyday, I do not. This is why I must make the most of each moment when I have it. There will come a time I will not be able.
The New Year is always a reflective and contemplative time for me. I really try to not only evaluate but renew commitments and lay out areas of growth for the future. It takes some time to do that but it is worth it as it helps me to stay focused on making the most of my time.
As you move toward the end of the year, I want to encourage you with a few thoughts.
1) No matter how much time you’ve wasted or lost, today is a new day. Start fresh with your commitments and purpose.
This verse says “teach” which means there is something to learn. Realizing that there are some things that are simply a waste of time and causing us to miss the more valuable and eternal things in life, is an enormous life changing event. When we realize how limited we really are, we don’t focus on what we’ve lost or wasted, we maximize what’s left.
2) Remember God is able to redeem the time. God doesn’t waste anything. Even though there may be missed or lost opportunities God is still in control and able to work all things together for our good. Even the missed and lost time teaches us and helps us to become better and different people. God can create something out of nothing; don’t live in regret but move in faith and let God redeem.
3) The future doesn’t have to be like the past. Hindsight can be 20/20 if we will honestly look and learn. I don’t have to make the same mistakes, I don’t have to be the same person and I can become exactly what God wants. This will require change but God will enable me and empower me if I will simply submit this next year to Him.
It is my prayer for you that you take time today and consider your life and the brevity of time. May God not only add years to your life but add life to your years! And may that begin today.
Have a blessed day and even more blessed 2019!
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