A devotional on numbering our days starts with Moses’ prayer in Psalm 90:12 (ESV): “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” As summer winds down and new routines begin, this verse invites us to see time as a gift and to ask God how to use it well.
Key Verse
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
A Prayer From Moses
Psalm 90 is the only psalm credited to Moses. He had seen a whole generation pass away in the wilderness. He knew life is short. In this psalm he contrasts God, who has no beginning or end, with human beings, who flourish like grass in the morning and fade by evening.
That sounds gloomy, but Moses was not trying to make people afraid. He wanted them to live wisely.
Counting Days
To number our days is to remember that they are limited. We do not know how many we have. Most of us live as if time will never run out, putting off what matters most for some later season.
Numbering our days means asking: If my time is a gift, how should I spend today?
A Heart of Wisdom
The goal is not anxiety about the future. It is a wise heart. Wisdom in Scripture is skill for living in God’s world. A wise heart knows what matters, says no to what does not, and makes room for love, worship, and rest.
Wisdom also sees that busyness is not the same as faithfulness.
New Rhythms
August often brings new schedules: school, work, church programs, sports. Before the calendar fills by default, pause and ask God what he wants your days to hold. Leave room for prayer, people, and rest. Say yes to what fits his priorities, even if that means saying no to good things.
Work That Lasts
Psalm 90 ends by asking God to make our everyday work endure (Psalm 90:17). Our days are short, but God can give lasting worth to what we do with them. Ordinary work offered to him has eternal value.
That is a hopeful way to begin a new month.
Counting our days is not meant to make us anxious. It is meant to make us awake. When we remember life is short, we stop postponing love, forgiveness, and obedience, and we start living today with purpose and gratitude.
Today, Try This
Look at your calendar for the coming month. Circle one thing that most reflects God’s priorities and protect it. Cross out or decline one thing that does not.
Reflection Question
If you truly numbered your days, what would you start, stop, or protect this month?
Prayer
Eternal God, my days are in your hands. Teach me to number them and to gain a wise heart. Help me use my time for what matters to you. Make the work of my days count, and fill my days with your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Psalm 90:12 mean?
Psalm 90:12 (ESV) asks God to help us remember that life is short so that we will live wisely. Counting our days leads to a heart of wisdom.
Who wrote Psalm 90?
Psalm 90 is titled a prayer of Moses, God’s servant. It is the oldest psalm by tradition.
How can I number my days in practice?
Review how you spend time, set priorities with prayer, make room for relationships and rest, and remember that each day is a gift to be used for God’s glory.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Bible verses about new beginnings
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: Devotional on the Word of God (devotional)
- Related: Devotional on Time Management
- Related: Summer Devotional
- Bible Verses by Topic