“Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; and let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath.”
Psalm 39:4,5
Most of us live each day without really thinking about it. Often we wake up to a new day focused on finishing a few tasks, getting a project completed at work, or making sure each child gets where they need to be. What does all this busyness mean? David asked God to show him the number of his days and how precious and brief they really are.
I remember that the days seemed long enough when my first child Rachel was a baby. I couldn't wait for each developmental milestone, I anticipated her maturity and growth. On the other hand, when my second child, Ben, was a baby the time just flew by. I tried to savor each day of babyhood, but they didn't last as long as I wished. The days of their childhood were marked by the same chronological order of time, but experienced so differently because of my perspective.
One of the reasons we lead such busy lives is that we lack perspective. From our perspective, we think we will always have tomorrow to do what really matters. Today, there is laundry and shopping and chores. Tomorrow, we will help the poor, spend time with God, witness to a neighbor. We think we have plenty of time to do the things we want to do. From God's perspective, we are only given a short amount of time. That's because God knows what this life is all about. God's perspective about our existence on earth includes eternity. God created our lives for a purpose, he understands how little time we have to be focused on that purpose. Just like I realized how quickly time had really gone in Rachel's childhood only after it was over, God has wisdom you don't and can show you how to really live. He has designed each day with precious opportunities. However, you will not recognize them unless you get God's perspective about your life. You must treasure today and realize how quickly it will be gone, rather than live thinking you can do the important things tomorrow.
What is important for you to cherish today? My pastor, Jim Denison, said; “God evaluates the success of my day and how I used it by the degree to which I loved Him that day.” Could it really be that simple? Is savoring each day about recognizing God's goodness and involvement in each task?
What is the most important task you need to complete by the end of today? How can you love God through that responsibility? I need to write an article, write some talks, do laundry, and shuttle children today. Will my life be a success if I am able to cross off each of the items on my “To Do” list?
I want to learn to number my days like David. I want to realize that my life is a mere breath. God has shown me where my life will end and that is in heaven with Him. Will I use my days on earth cultivating a relationship with Him, so that heaven is a continuation of knowing Him? If I do, my life will be a success.
At the end of the day ask yourself; “How well did I love God and let Him show His love for me?” The answer will reveal how successful your day actually was.
Editor's Note: This devotional was reprinted with permission from the Tea Time for Your Soul weekly devotionals. We'll be featuring one each week here at Blissfully Domestic but if you'd like to receive the latest weekly devotional in your inbox, please sign up at www.teatimeforyoursoul.com I know you will be blessed by them as I have. Reprinted with Permission, Originally Published by Tea Time for Your SoulImage Credit: Per Ola Wiberg
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