Every New Year’s day is a signal for me to reread Psalm 90, a prayer of Moses. Probably the most widely-known verse in this psalm is verse 12:
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.
Earlier in verse 10, Moses states:
As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years,
Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away.
Regardless of how many years God gives us in this life – whether 70 or 80; or whether 20 or 30 – they will soon be gone, especially in view of eternity. So Moses’ prayer is appropriate for all of us:
“Lord, for however many days You choose to give us, teach us how to use them well, that we may present to You a heart that displays wisdom.”
How do I use my days well, and cultivate a wise heart? These thoughts chase me to Ephesians 5:15-16.
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
The application follows in Eph. verses 17 and 18.
“So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.”
The way to make the most of our time – the way to a wise heart – is to understand and do the will of the Lord. And that is accomplished when we are filled (controlled and empowered) by the Holy Spirit rather than given to those things that are dissipation (wasteful). The Holy Spirit never works against Scripture, but in fact helps us to understand the Word of God and is the power of God within us to do His will. Then we can pray, with confidence, the prayer at the end of Psalm 90 (vv. 16-17):
Let Thy work appear to Thy servants, and Thy majesty to their children.
And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and do confirm for us the work of our hands; yes, confirm the work of our hands.
Want to make the most of 2023? Yield to the Holy Spirit’s control – moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day.