The year 2014 is now in the history books and as we come to a New Year, this is often a time of reflection; a time of assessing the year that has been and looking ahead to the year that is before us. For some this reflection brings much joy and for others there is sadness. Whatever the case, wherever we are on this journey called life, such reflection is not only a human propensity it can also serve us well.
In Psalm 90, as Moses reflects back on his life he prays: Teach us to number our days aright…why…that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12) Teach us to number our days so that our lives, the time we have remaining, might count; so that we would live wisely, to fullest, with no regrets.
In this psalm, Moses challenges us to make our lives count and to reflect upon that which really matters. It begins by calling us to look to God: Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. (Psalm 90:1) You have been our safe place, our stronghold, the one security to which we can cling. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:2)
As Moses continues he reminds us that life is short and sometimes the path gets hard and then it ends with a sigh (verse 9). As Moses reflects on this truth, he wonders who really looks at life and understands this reality; who understands the brevity of life and lives his life in such a way to honor God and give Him His rightful place of honor and trust.
So he prays, Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Teach us to live well that we might understand the reality of life; that we might honour and fear God; that we might live life differently and come the end with no regrets; that we might finish well.
In the final verses of the psalm we are drawn to the unfailing love, the compassion and joy, the blessing and grace of a life lived with God. In this we find perspective and meaning, for such a life is the only life worth living.
As Moses reflects on the love and grace of God, his eyes light up and he prays: May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us--yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:16-17)
If we could just see God at work in our lives, through all the ups and down along the way, if we could just know that He is leading our lives, if God would extend his blessing and favour toward us that would make all the difference; that would bring us a sense of peace and joy. If we could see God at work in our lives, that would be enough to sustain us through another New Year.
That is my prayer for each of us as we continue on this adventure called life; as we work and serve together at Valley. May you live in His love and rest in His grace; may the favour of our God rest upon us as we walk in the year 2015!
In Psalm 90, as Moses reflects back on his life he prays: Teach us to number our days aright…why…that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12) Teach us to number our days so that our lives, the time we have remaining, might count; so that we would live wisely, to fullest, with no regrets.
In this psalm, Moses challenges us to make our lives count and to reflect upon that which really matters. It begins by calling us to look to God: Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. (Psalm 90:1) You have been our safe place, our stronghold, the one security to which we can cling. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:2)
As Moses continues he reminds us that life is short and sometimes the path gets hard and then it ends with a sigh (verse 9). As Moses reflects on this truth, he wonders who really looks at life and understands this reality; who understands the brevity of life and lives his life in such a way to honor God and give Him His rightful place of honor and trust.
So he prays, Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Teach us to live well that we might understand the reality of life; that we might honour and fear God; that we might live life differently and come the end with no regrets; that we might finish well.
In the final verses of the psalm we are drawn to the unfailing love, the compassion and joy, the blessing and grace of a life lived with God. In this we find perspective and meaning, for such a life is the only life worth living.
As Moses reflects on the love and grace of God, his eyes light up and he prays: May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us--yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:16-17)
If we could just see God at work in our lives, through all the ups and down along the way, if we could just know that He is leading our lives, if God would extend his blessing and favour toward us that would make all the difference; that would bring us a sense of peace and joy. If we could see God at work in our lives, that would be enough to sustain us through another New Year.
That is my prayer for each of us as we continue on this adventure called life; as we work and serve together at Valley. May you live in His love and rest in His grace; may the favour of our God rest upon us as we walk in the year 2015!
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