Devotional: Prepared for Troubles Psalm 90:1-12

“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12, NASB).

I had planned to write on the subject “Ask and Receive” but events that have taken place in the last week that directly affected my life caused me to reconsider and write on our topic for today.

On this past Tuesday I receive a message that two of my high school classmates are in the hospital, prayer is requested. On Wednesday I hear on the news that a woman has been found dead; probably murdered. I learn that the murdered woman is the mother of a young man that had been in the youth ministry that I had led about fourteen years ago. On Friday I go to visit my two classmates.

While visiting with one of my classmates we discuss among other things our being prepared for troubled days. Sandra says that regardless of our age we are not prepared for the things that take place in our lives. Sandra says, “I still say, ‘why Lord.’”

I tell Sandra that this is not the case with me. My work as a Registered Nurse and my dedication to exercise has kept me aware that my days are numbered. There are two things that I have heard many of my patients say. First, I have heard many patients say, “A man never know what will happen to him.” The second thing that I have heard many of the veteran patients at the Veterans Hospital say is this: “I never thought that anything like this would ever happen to me.”

I tell Sandra that I understand why people make statements like these, but this is not a part of my reality. Over the years hearing the patients make the above statements have kept me aware that anything can happen anytime that I have no control over. I have learned though exercise over the years that things are always changing. There was a time when I could run five to ten miles with little trouble. The number of miles that I run has decreased over the years. Now, I walk five miles. Also, I do lift training and I the number of pounds that I lift has been decreasing over the years. I am aware of these changes.

In Psalm 90 Moses prays that God will teach us to number our days. Moses prays confessing that the Lord is in control. He has sovereign power over our lives. God has the last word when it comes to what will and will not happen in our lives. Moses prays that God will remind us that our days are limited. God sets the boundary for what takes place in our lives. Moses prays that the Lord will teach us to be aware of our limited control and God’s unlimited power.

Prayer: Thank your Lord for Your power over our lives. May we always keep in mind that our days are numbered by You. Amen.