Laced With Grace – Christian Devotions

Teach Me to Number my Days

By Guest Blogger June 5, 2012 Devotion

One-third (?) of a year. Four (4) months. Seventeen (17) weeks. One hundred and twenty-three (123) days. Two thousand, nine hundred and fifty-two (2,952) hours. One hundred and seventy-seven thousand, one hundred and twenty (177,120) minutes. Ten million, six hundred and twenty-seven thousand, two hundred (10,627,200) seconds.

No matter how I look at those numbers, I have no other choice but to shake my head. How has this time suddenly passed so quickly? Where did the days go? When I saw the date on the calendar today, my mind immediately jumped to Psalm 90:12 (KJV), So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

I am reminded recently of all the things that I have been tempted to number: my followers, my bank account, my children, my weight, my friends. Over these past four months, I have learned that these are not the numbers that I need to be putting my focus on. I cannot control any of them, but they can so easily control me.

When I start looking at the number of people “following me”, I realize that I am looking in the wrong direction. It is not possible for me to be leading forward and looking behind. I was not called to write so that others would follow; I was called to write so that I could reflect my Father’s grace in my life. Jesus told us in Luke 9:62, And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

When I start looking at my bank account, I fret that I will not be able to meet my needs. Then a still, small voice behind me reminds me that He provides my needs. When I start looking at my wardrobe and wondering what will fit my ever-expanding waistline, I am reminded that He clothed the lilies of the valley and the grass of the field, and He can provide for my clothing as well.

I number and number the fears and concerns that I have, and I find myself consumed with them. But all that I was ever asked to number was my days. When my focus turns to numbering my days, I begin to see my blessings.

So today, I challenge you change to your numbering system. Today, number your days, and see the wisdom that you have been blessed with.

4 thoughts on “Teach Me to Number my Days”

  1. LaurieLaurie Adams

    Great reminder Wendy. Reading this also reminded me about the countless district pastoral meetings we have attended and all we heard across the table is about how MANY people their church is running. Numbers may look good on paper, but its the relationship with each of those numbers that turns facts and figures into a face. Good post. 🙂