Living Wisely in the Light of Eternity

Life moves quickly, and it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters as days, months, and years seem to fly by. Psalm 90, a prayer of Moses, invites us to pause and reflect on the brevity of our lives in contrast to the eternal nature of God. Moses reminds us that God is our true dwelling place—our source of security, comfort, and rest—regardless of our circumstances or where we find ourselves. Our hope is not anchored in a place, a possession, or a person, but in God Himself, who is unchanging and everlasting.

Moses draws a sharp contrast between God’s eternality and our own fleeting existence. While God is from everlasting to everlasting, we are like grass that springs up in the morning and withers by evening. Our lives are short, and this brevity is a result of sin and the brokenness it brings. Yet, in the face of this reality, Moses doesn’t despair. Instead, he prays, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Recognizing the shortness of life should not lead us to fear or apathy, but to wisdom—a wisdom that seeks to live each day in right relationship with God.

True wisdom is not just knowing that life is short, but living in a way that reflects that knowledge. It means seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness, finding our deepest satisfaction and joy in His steadfast love, and using our time to pursue things that matter for eternity. The things that often bring us happiness—hobbies, achievements, even family moments—are good, but they cannot ultimately satisfy. Only God’s unfailing love can fill that deepest longing.

We are called to make the most of our days, not by filling them with busyness or chasing after fleeting pleasures, but by investing in what has eternal significance. This means serving others, loving well, and using our gifts to point people to Jesus. Whether at home, at work, or in our communities, every day is an opportunity to live purposefully for God’s kingdom. We may never have a day free of all responsibility, but we do have the responsibility to steward our time wisely, making each moment count for God’s glory.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God is our true dwelling place, not a physical location or earthly security. In times of uncertainty or exile, our comfort and hope are found in our relationship with God, who is unchanging and eternal. This truth anchors us when everything else feels unstable or temporary. [30:59]
• 2. The brevity of human life is a sobering reality, especially when contrasted with God’s eternality. Our days are limited, and this limitation is a result of sin and the brokenness of the world. Recognizing this should humble us and remind us to live intentionally, not taking any day for granted. [35:37]
• 3. Gaining a heart of wisdom means more than just knowing life is short—it means living each day in right relationship with God. Wisdom is found in seeking God’s guidance, depending on Him, and aligning our priorities with His purposes. It’s a daily posture of humility and surrender. [40:44]
• 4. True satisfaction and joy are found only in God’s steadfast love, not in the temporary pleasures or achievements of this world. Pursuing anything else for fulfillment will ultimately leave us empty. A wise heart seeks joy in God’s presence and faithfulness, which never fails. [44:18]
• 5. Making the most of our time means investing in what has eternal value—serving others, loving well, and using our gifts for God’s kingdom. Our legacy should be more than hobbies or accomplishments; it should reflect a life lived for God and others, impacting the world for Christ. [46:55]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [11:11] - Community Connection: The Free Day Question
• [13:50] - Gathering Back & Prayer Focus
• [16:29] - Congregational Prayer Time
• [18:27] - Mission Team Updates & Encouragements
• [21:23] - Reflections on Time and Change
• [24:12] - The Brevity of Life and Growing Older
• [25:54] - Introducing Psalm 90: Numbering Our Days
• [27:19] - The Structure of Psalms and Moses’ Context
• [29:04] - Moses’ Prayer and God’s Faithfulness
• [30:59] - God as Our Dwelling Place
• [32:13] - Personal Story: Finding Security in God
• [33:59] - God’s Eternity vs. Human Temporality
• [35:37] - The Consequence of Sin and the Shortness of Life
• [40:44] - Seeking Wisdom and God’s Mercy
• [43:00] - What Brings True Joy?
• [44:18] - Satisfaction in God’s Unfailing Love
• [46:55] - Living for Eternal Impact
• [48:19] - Everyday Urgency and Full-Time Ministry
• [49:50] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
• [65:18] - Benediction and Final Announcements
• [67:43] - Fellowship and Dismissal
• [70:34] - End

Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 90, what does Moses say about God’s nature compared to human life? (see especially verses 1-4)
2. What reasons does Moses give for the shortness of human life? (verses 7-11)
3. In verse 12, what specific request does Moses make of God, and why?
4. The sermon mentions that God is our “dwelling place.” What does that mean in the context of Israel’s exile and Moses’ life? [30:59]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Moses emphasize the contrast between God’s eternality and our own brief lives? How might this perspective affect the way we view our daily routines? [33:59]
2. The sermon says that the brevity of life is a result of sin and brokenness. How does this understanding shape the way we approach our time on earth? [35:37]
3. Moses prays, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” What does it mean to “number our days,” and how is this connected to wisdom? [40:44]
4. The sermon claims that true satisfaction and joy are found only in God’s steadfast love, not in temporary pleasures or achievements. Why do you think even good things (like family, hobbies, or accomplishments) can’t ultimately satisfy us? [44:18]

Application Questions

1. The sermon began with the question: “If you had a whole day free of any responsibilities, what would you do?” Now, thinking about Psalm 90, how might your answer change if you considered what has eternal value? [25:54]
2. The idea that “God is our true dwelling place” means our security and comfort are found in Him, not in circumstances or possessions. Are there things in your life you tend to rely on for security instead of God? What would it look like to shift your trust to Him this week? [30:59]
3. Moses asks God to “teach us to number our days.” What is one practical way you can be more intentional with your time this week, making sure you’re investing in things that matter for eternity? [40:44]
4. The sermon says that recognizing the shortness of life should lead us to wisdom, not fear or apathy. Is there an area of your life where you’ve been putting things off or living as if you have unlimited time? What step could you take to live more purposefully? [35:37]
5. The pastor shared that even good things like watching his kids play sports bring happiness, but not lasting joy. What are some “good” things in your life that you sometimes look to for ultimate satisfaction? How can you remind yourself to seek joy in God’s love instead? [44:18]
6. The sermon challenges us to use our gifts and time to serve others and point people to Jesus. What is one way you can serve someone in your home, workplace, or community this week with eternity in mind? [46:55]
7. The pastor said, “We may never have a day free of all responsibility, but we do have the responsibility to steward our time wisely.” What is one responsibility you have right now that you can approach differently, with God’s glory and kingdom in mind? [48:19]