Psalm 90:10-12 – “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11 Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. 12 So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” NKJV
As the song says, “Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die.” It is a basic instinct for many to want to live forever. Most live as though they have more than enough tomorrows to take care of things they did not want to do today. Too often there is the feeling that there is no need to be concerned because there is plenty of time to do what we want later. Procrastination is common.
There are many promises in God’s Word that are seldom claimed and stood upon and as a result, we sometimes live beneath our privilege in God. Some have accused me of going to seed on the Promises of God and I confess, I do focus on them a considerable amount. Why? Because each step we take in our journey of becoming more like Jesus we experience more Spiritual Power, see more Souls born into the Kingdom and live in greater Victory in our daily lives. However, if we do not know the Promises we will likely never experience them.
This Psalm is usually attributed to Moses. He is interceding with God to remove the curse that made it necessary for every Israelite over twenty to die before they reach Canaan. He states that most are dying at seventy although some are reaching eighty. Although this is specifically in reference to Israel there is an application for us today if we can receive it. Let me take a path down “suppose lane” if you will indulge me for the purpose of making a point and hopefully illustrating a truth.
Let’s consider verse 10 for a moment. If this could somehow be the used as the definitive gauge of longevity it would produce an interesting possibility. Let’s take the upper portion of that gauge as 80 years which could be broken down into sixteen five-year segments. The question I would ask immediately is “How many do you have left?” Let me insert a disclaimer, I do not believe this is an arbitrary number of the years of our days for many are living into their 90’s and even 100’s that is wonderful. But, if 80 were the number of your days, how many have slipped by and how many remain to accomplish your assignment in life?
This illustrates something I have contended for decades, “time is the greatest asset or enemy we have.” Paul urges believers to “redeem the time” because of the condition of the world. TIME is one thing we must learn to use effectively if we are to be valuable and effective in life. How much do you waste? I am guilty so I am not pointing at you, I am pointing at me as well. I believe that in order to tap into the resources, the ability and power God has placed within us there are three things which must take place.
- PERCEPTION – – We Must Perceive:
- Who You Are – – From the view of Scripture.
Initially, we were all sinners (Romans 3:23) and in need of a Savior. Genesis 1:26 informs us that we were created in God’s image and likeness. John 1:12, calls us sons of God based on redemption. Romans 8:17, calls us heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. Galatians 3:29, tells us that we are heirs according to Promise.
That is the declaration of God’s word when we come to Him for Salvation. Once we enter into the Family of God we realize that Abraham’s Blessings are ours (Deuteronomy 28) and we have a Better Covenant established on Better Promises (Hebrews 8:6)
Therefore, in light of God’s Word – “Who Are You?” If you have been washed in the Blood of the Lamb and received His forgiveness and grace you are GOD’S CHILD. The next question should be – “Where Are You?” Not geographically but spiritually. Are you in the meat or milk level of development in your spiritual walk? I am reminded of the illustration about the little boy who fell out of the bed one night. His father came to check on him and asked what happened. The little boy said, “I fell out of the bed because I stayed too close to the edge.” Then we must ask – “Where Are You Going?” I ask that both spiritually and in the natural. What is the direction of your life? What are the foundational principles by which you live? What is your moral and spiritual mooring? PERCEPTION is vital if we are to become what God wants us to be and has purposed us to be.
We will pick up there in the next devotional but for now, I pray that God grant you His wonderful peace and bountiful blessings on this day in Him.
Roy's Covenant Corner 