Numbering Our Days

Scripture:  Psalms 90:12 – Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
I Corinthians 7:29a – But this I say brethren, the time is short. 
Ephesians 5:16 -  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

In the midst of this pandemic, many people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and fearful of the unknown of what is to come.  After all, we have never experienced this COVID-19 pandemic before.  Many businesses/organizations, hospitals/clinics, schools, churches, are on lockdown for a period of time. This has affected communities, our families and our very way of life.    Many people don’t have sufficient income to endure this crucial unexpected outbreak.  The Lord is truly getting everyone’s attention – whether they are Christians or not.  At this time, it is so important that we constantly wash our hands (which we should have always been doing), and practice social distancing to slow down the spread of this highly contagious virus.  It is my prayer that those not saved will invite Jesus Christ their lives, and those who are saved, will draw closer to the Lord.  It’s a time of self-examination for sure.

II Chronicles 7:14b says “For my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

We are to number our days – realizing that time as we know it is short/running out.  Just think – the Lord could return very soon.  It is time to really think about what is really important in our lives.  As Pastor Cockrell has said many times – we should be policing our minds.  We should think about what we thinking about.  What is the seed motivation for what we do?  What are our  priorities in life right now?  Are we keeping a short account of sins?  Is Jesus really our first priority?  When we are thinking about something that doesn’t please the Lord, we have to learn to stop the recorder in our mind. Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  Are you really praying and asking the Lord to direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6)?  Or do you live your life any way you feel like it?  I am learning that there are some things I have to do.  There are some things I want to do.  There are some things I just can do.  I have to see things according to the Lord’s perspective.

While there are many things we can’t do right now, there are many things we can do and should be faithfully doing.  We should be spending as much time as we can with our family within our homes, and also communicating with our family/friends who are not in our homes.  We should be encouraging/helpful – being sensitive to what others are encountering.  We should be keeping our minds stayed on Jesus so that we can have perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).  Do you believe that God has everything in control?  We should be reading/studying the Word.  We should never lose hope or give up, because the Lord is our refuge.  Psalms 62:5-8 says My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense;  I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. The Lord has promised that He will be with us.  He will never leave us (Matthew 28:20)!

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for being my Savior and Lord, and my refuge and strength!  With all of the responsibilities and things on my mind, help me to keep You as the number one priority – numbering my days and directing my path.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name.

(by Marsha Williams)