Teach Us To Count Our Days
Lord,
you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were
brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting
to everlasting you are God.
You
turn us back to dust, and say, “Turn back, you mortals.” For a thousand years
in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.
You
sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the
morning; in the morning if flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades
and withers.
For
we are consumed by your anger; by your wrath we are overwhelmed. You have set
our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
For all our days pass away under your wrath; our years
come to an end like a sigh. The days of our life are seventy
years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil
and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.
Who
considers the power of your anger? Your wrath is as great as the fear that is
due you. So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.
Turn,
O LORD! How long? Have compassion on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning
with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make
us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have
seen evil. Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power
to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper
for us the work of our hands – O prosper the work of our hands!
Psalm 90:1-17
If
you are given the chance, what kind of an old man will you be? The answer
depends largely on the kind of person you are right now. Observe contented
older people. They have their aches and pains, but they always glorify God. A
focus of gratitude, begun early in life, will part the clouds and let the sun
shine through.
What
is your focus today, regardless of your feelings? Is it one of gratitude for
Jesus and His gift of eternal life? If so, you will grow sweeter as you grow
older.
What you will be tomorrow depends on the choices you make
today.
Our Daily Bread –