Living Wisely in the Light of Eternity
Summary
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
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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
[01:05:18] - Benediction and Final Announcements
[01:07:43] - Fellowship and Dismissal
[01:10:34] - End
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Psalm 90 – Numbering Our Days
---
### Bible Reading
- Psalm 90 (entire chapter; focus on verses 1-17)
---
### 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]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you see your days as He does, to give you wisdom in how you spend your time, and to find your deepest satisfaction in His steadfast love.
Devotional
Day 1: God Is Our Eternal Dwelling Place
God is not just a distant creator but our secure and unchanging dwelling place, offering comfort and stability regardless of our circumstances. Whether we find ourselves in times of exile, transition, or uncertainty, our true home and security are found in our relationship with God, not in any physical location, possession, or earthly status. This truth invites us to rest in Him, knowing that from everlasting to everlasting, He remains the same and is always present with us. [30:59]
Psalm 90:1-2 (ESV)
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."
Reflection: Where do you most often look for security or comfort in your daily life, and how can you intentionally turn your heart to find your true dwelling in God today?
Day 2: The Brevity of Life and the Wisdom to Number Our Days
Human life is fleeting and fragile, a stark contrast to God’s eternal nature; recognizing this truth should lead us to live wisely and make the most of the time we are given. Our days are limited because of sin, and it is easy to forget how short life truly is, but wisdom comes from understanding our mortality and letting that awareness shape our priorities and actions. Instead of drifting through our days, we are called to live with purpose, seeking to align our lives with God’s will and values. [35:37]
Psalm 90:10-12 (ESV)
"The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can be more intentional with your time this week, knowing that your days are limited?
Day 3: Seeking God’s Mercy and Finding Satisfaction in His Love
A heart of wisdom recognizes our need for God’s mercy and forgiveness, and finds true satisfaction and joy not in earthly pursuits, but in God’s steadfast, unfailing love. While many things in life can bring us temporary happiness, only God’s love can truly satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts and bring lasting joy, even in the midst of hardship or affliction. Turning to God for forgiveness and delighting in His love transforms our perspective and fills our days with meaning and gladness. [43:00]
Psalm 90:13-14 (ESV)
"Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to seek God’s mercy or shift your pursuit from temporary pleasures to the lasting joy found in His love?
Day 4: Living for What Lasts—Impacting God’s Kingdom
We are created for more than just personal enjoyment or achievement; God calls us to use our gifts, time, and resources to serve others and make an impact for His kingdom. The legacy we leave should be more than hobbies or accomplishments—it should reflect a life spent loving, serving, and pointing others to Jesus. Each day is an opportunity to do good works that God has prepared for us, making our brief time on earth count for eternity. [46:55]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What is one way you can use your gifts or resources today to serve someone else or point them toward Jesus?
Day 5: Embracing Our Daily Responsibility to Love and Serve
Every day, regardless of our roles or circumstances, we have a responsibility to make the most of our time by loving God and others, seeking to know Him more, and living out our faith wherever we are. This calling is not limited to special occasions or mission trips but is meant to shape our ordinary routines, relationships, and work. By embracing this daily responsibility, we honor God with our lives and participate in His ongoing work in the world. [49:50]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: How can you approach your everyday tasks and relationships today as opportunities to love God and serve others wholeheartedly?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 29, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?