Numbering Days January 2, 2017

¹² So teach us to number our days
    that we may get a heart of wisdom
Psalm 90:12 ESV 


"by making a right use of this short, uncertain space of time allotted us here,"
Benson Commentary

"that God would instruct us to estimate our days aright: their number; the rapidity with which they pass away; the liability to be cut down; the certainty that they must soon come to an end; their bearing on the future state of being."
Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Perhaps it is the dawning of yet another new year or because I will be 54 in a few months, but these past few mornings I have been conscious of a need to make each day count for something.  There is an increased sense of productivity, the need to get things done.

David gives his readers that same advice.  Benson calls it "right use".  Barnes comments on the "rapidity with which they pass away".  I think is it a combination of the two that is coloring my mind set right now.

Our days are numbered and as I get older they do seem fleeting.  Yet another school year is half over.  Another Christmas break coming to an end.  We are 17 years into another millennium.

Much has been written about the futility of New Year's resolutions.  Their failure and lack of any sustained change.  I would agree with that assessment except for those resolutions that are prompted by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by a partnership with God.  Whether a call to change and action is received on January 1 or June 8, God will empower his children to become who he calls them to be. 

For me this is to be more conscious of and intentional in the use of my time in 2017 and beyond.