Number our Days

From Everlasting to Everlasting, A Prayer of Moses, the man of God.

1Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” 4For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. 5You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: 6in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. 12So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:1-12)

Today we observe the end of one year, and tomorrow marks the beginning of a new year.

We put a lot of power in this change from year to year, but as Moses, today's psalmist notes, to God 1000 years are but as yesterday. Our "new year" is like a blade of grass renewed in the morning and fades and withers in the afternoon.

Moses asks God to teach us to number our days. Each day is a gift from God, let alone a year. As I grow older, days pass more rapidly, and a year feels like a month did in my youth. You grow to appreciate the day that's before you in the rapidly passing of time.

By numbering our days, we learn that time itself is a gift from God. Each day holds purpose. Each day carries sufficient bread to get us through the day seeking God's will in our lives. Let's make good use of the day, regardless of where it falls on the calendar - end of year or beginning of a new year. 

We pray: God gave us this day. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.