Your Days

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered.”—Psalm 39:4

In the moments after his birth, Philip Doddridge showed little sign of life. He was so unresponsive that he was considered dead. But an attendant noticed some motion and provided the attention necessary to nurse him to life. Surviving this near-death experience, he went on to dedicate his life to serving Jesus. As a pastor, he wrote hundreds of hymns, many of which accompanied his sermons.

This beginning helped give him perspective on the brevity of life. He expressed these insights in a hymn called “Tomorrow, Lord, Is Thine.”

He urged us to realize that our future is in God’s hands. He rules the universe. Even if the sun rises, it shines by His command. Our perspective is to trust God and be faithful in each moment, realizing how quickly each present moment flies away. His prayer was that God would help us have wisdom as to how we spend our time and consider how quickly it passes.

Doddridge wants us to realize that eternity is comprised of moments that never can be repeated. Like Moses, we can ask God to “teach us to number our days” (Psalm 90:12), so we will not waste our time.

Remember that today is precious. Life itself is a gift from God. Ask Him to help you take advantage of every opportunity. Be a good steward of the time, talents, and treasures that He has given you.

Reflection Question: Reflect on the brevity of life.