Why should we want God to teach us to number our days (Psalm 90:12)?

Answer

Psalm 90:12 states, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” The plea to “teach us to number our days” emphasizes our need for God to reveal the brevity of life to us. This revelation will aid in our pursuit of wisdom, which is crucial because the decisions we make in our short time on earth have everlasting implications. The rest of Psalm 90 elaborates on God’s anger towards sin and the significance of life. Our earthly existence is fleeting, and wisdom is essential to prepare for what comes next.

Moses, the author of Psalm 90, was a man who conversed with the Lord “face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (Exodus 33:11;see also Numbers 12:7-8). Despite this close relationship, Moses wrote about God’s fierce wrath against sin. He implored the Lord to help humanity recognize that we will all be held accountable to God for our actions in this life «For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. », (cf: 2 Corinthians 5:10). In Psalm 90:11, Moses wrote, “If only we knew the power of your anger!” Despite his deep understanding of God, Moses had felt the consequences of God’s discipline for his transgressions and desired to guide others away from it «And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. », (Numbers 20:12).

Jesus shared a parable that illustrates the outcome of failing to “number our days.” In Luke 12:19–21, He tells the story of a wealthy man who did not realize the transience of his wealth and life.

I wanted only to “eat, drink, and be merry” and had no time or thought for God. The wealthy man believed he had years yet to enjoy his pleasures, but God required his soul that very night. If the rich man had learned to “number his days,” he would have pursued ventures that had eternal significance. We can learn from this parable that none of us know how many days we will be granted, so we must not waste them on frivolous, selfish pursuits that have no real value.

God’s desire for human beings is that we learn, grow, and seek wisdom (Proverbs 2). As we learn to number our days, we will share that desire. We were created to walk in fellowship with God, discovering the mysteries and delights He has scattered throughout creation. The Lord enjoys partnering with us as we pursue all He designed for us to accomplish (Psalm 37:23; Ephesians 2:10). When we live in harmony with Him, death is simply a change of address. Our enjoyment of Him continues unabated when we step from this life into eternity.

Those who have learned to number their days spend them in pursuit of wisdom, goodness, and the kingdom of God “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”, (Matthew 6:33). They don’t have to fear the wrath of God when their earthly lives are over. Jesus came to earth to make a way for us to be made right with God “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”, (2 Corinthians 5:21). But He won’t force His gift of eternal life on anyone (John 3:16-18). Those who never learn to number their days spend them as if this life is all there is. Psalm 90

Warns them about the judgment they are destined to undergo «And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: », (Hebrews 9:27). But when we learn to number our days, we see each day as a valuable gift and an opportunity to store up treasure in heaven (Luke 12:33; Revelation 22:12).