It is amazing to me how the Bible consistently takes on new life with each season of my journey. I am awestruck how a particular verse may encourage or convict me in a specific way in one moment and then years later take on new depth and meaning for me.

Last Sunday I shared from one of my favorite Psalms; Psalm 90. Along with the deep theological insights about God, our humanity, and God’s grace, I have always been drawn to verse 12. Ps 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. -NIV

For most of my life, I have been convicted to view this verse in light of the brevity of our time here on Earth, and the powerful possibility of being used as an instrument in God’s divine purpose. Each day we have been given is precious and full of divine potential if we will yield to God and welcome the empowering of the Holy Spirit. This verse challenges me to not procrastinate as well as to seek God’s priorities for my life.

I have to confess that once I get a sense of a specific verse, I am prone to read over it quickly, as if to say, “I’ve got this.” Thankfully, I was challenged over the last few weeks to dig a bit deeper in meditating on this verse. This verse took on new life and freshness with focusing on one word… “gain.”

In Hebrew, this word has a wide variety of usages. It is often used with the idea of “bringing” something, or presenting something.

This understanding was a lightbulb moment for me. Being taught to rightly number my days helps me to BRING my heart to wisdom. The Youngs Literal Translation really emphasizes this idea. Ps 90:12 To number our days aright let [us] know, And we bring the heart to wisdom. -YLT

This may seem like a very subtle nuance, but it has significance in life application. We offer our hearts to God’s wisdom. It is our choice to receive or reject. Life is precious, brief, and we have been offered divine wisdom and guidance if we will yield to its counsel.

The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to view God’s word as more than mere words on a page… Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ESV

God is still speaking. Take care to not assume that you know what He is going to say today. Take time to listen intently. Give the effort to dig deep into His word. Yes, even the ones you know so very well. The Holy Spirit may open our eyes to some deeper understanding that we may need today.
Loving you all,
Michael