In Psalm 90:12, Moses prays, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." This statement is profound because Moses himself experienced delays and setbacks. Moses's first season of delay was when he was exiled from Egypt. He acted impulsively by killing an Egyptian, which led him to flee into exile for 40 years. During this time, Moses was hidden in the wilderness, being prepared and refined by God. So when Moses prayed this prayer, he understood the value of timing because he had seen how his error affected an entire generation.
The second delay occurred when the spies returned with a negative report, causing the children of Israel to be delayed another 40 years. Seeing all that lost time, Moses prayed, "Lord, teach us to number our days." These delays taught Moses a great lesson and serve as a greater lesson to us. Imagine how many lives were lost or things left unfulfilled because of errors and poor decisions.
When Moses says, "Teach us to number our days," he’s calling us to be aware of the finite nature of our lives. It’s about recognizing that every day is a gift—an opportunity to align ourselves with God’s purpose and to walk in wisdom.
Many people live recklessly without considering the season they are in or what God requires from them in that season. Life is divided into seasons, both day and night. Many people succeed during their "day season" (times of opportunity, favor, and blessings) but struggle during their "night season" (times of challenge, waiting, or preparation). The key to navigating these seasons is preparation and understanding that God is working in every moment. As Jesus said, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." (John 9:4)
The parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) further illustrates this principle. The wise virgins were prepared for the bridegroom’s arrival because they understood the importance of preparation. In contrast, the foolish virgins missed their opportunity because they failed to prepare.
The decisions we make today affect our tomorrow. God often reveals what is to come, but it’s up to us to prepare for it. If we learn to walk in wisdom today, we will be ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
Moses’s prayer serves as a reminder that life is short, and each day is an opportunity to grow in wisdom, make the right choices, and prepare ourselves for what God has in store. By being conscious of our days, we can walk in victory and fulfill our God-given destiny.