READING: Deuteronomy 31:30–32:52, Psalm 90
Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses, who likely wrote the words during the years of the Israelites’ wandering in the wilderness; if so, this psalm is the oldest one. It paints a dramatic contrast between the eternality of God and the temporary nature of human life. Note these words about who God is: “through all the generations you have been our home” (Psa 90:1); “from beginning to end, you are God” (Psa 90:2); “for you, a thousand years are as a passing day” (Psa 90:4). On the other hand, our lives are like grass that springs up in the morning but then withers by night; our years soon disappear, and “we fly away” (Psa 90:10).
No wonder Moses wrote these clear words to the people (and ultimately, to us): “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom” (Psa 90:12). The brevity of life is something we perhaps talk about at funerals, but seldom do we think about it otherwise. Even during the last two years of a global pandemic, I suspect many of us have only briefly considered how short life is—and then only when someone we know has passed away. Not recognizing the brevity of life, we too often live today as if tomorrow is guaranteed for us. We live as we wish today, trusting we will have sufficient time to get right with God prior to death.
Not only is that kind of living incredibly risky, but it also means we might miss the blessings of God today.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How much time do you give to considering how short life really is?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, teach me to number my days—and live rightly today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12, Joshua 1:1-2:24
