In what ways can we seek God's guidance for our limited "years"? Anchoring the Study: Psalm 90 vs 12 “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Recognizing the Brevity of Life • Scripture treats our lifespan as genuinely brief and measurable (Psalm 39 vs 4–5; James 4 vs 14). • Accepting this truth is the first step toward seeking God’s guidance; we live differently when we know time is short. Inviting God to Teach Us • The verb “teach” in Psalm 90 vs 12 presses us to ask, “Lord, instruct me; I cannot discern this alone.” • Pair your reading of the verse with James 1 vs 5—God promises wisdom to all who ask without doubting. • Make petition part of daily rhythm: before scheduling your day, ask God to reveal what actually matters. Letting Scripture Light the Path • Psalm 119 vs 105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Practical steps: – Read consecutively through books of the Bible rather than random passages. – Keep a notebook: record any command, promise, or warning that speaks to how you use your hours. – Evaluate plans against clear biblical priorities (e.g., Matthew 6 vs 33; Ephesians 5 vs 15–17). Submitting Plans in Trust • Proverbs 3 vs 5–6 challenges us to trust the Lord “with all your heart” and “acknowledge Him in all your ways.” • Instead of merely asking God to endorse pre-made agendas, surrender the agenda itself. • Watch for God-shaped interruptions—moments that redirect your limited years toward eternal fruit. Walking in Moment-by-Moment Obedience • Guidance is often incremental: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30 vs 21) • Quick obedience to small promptings guards us from wasting days in regret. • Review each evening: Where did I hear and follow? Where did I resist? Seeking Counsel within the Body • Proverbs 15 vs 22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • God frequently guides through Spirit-filled believers: – Elders or mature mentors who know Scripture well. – Fellow disciples who can lovingly call out misplaced priorities. – Corporate worship where Word and fellowship realign our hearts. Keeping an Eternal Perspective • Colossians 3 vs 1–2 urges setting minds “on things above, not on earthly things.” • Measure activities by eternity’s yardstick: Will this choice still matter when I stand before Christ? (2 Corinthians 5 vs 10). • Limited years become purposeful years when lived for imperishable rewards. Living the Verse Today 1. Start each morning with Psalm 90 vs 12 on your lips. 2. Read a portion of Scripture, asking, “How does this shape today’s decisions?” 3. Talk through plans with a trusted believer for accountability. 4. Act promptly on the Spirit’s nudges. 5. End the day by numbering it: What wisdom did I gain? How will it change tomorrow? By continually practicing these patterns, we invite God to saturate our fleeting years with His timeless wisdom and direction. |