“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
The Book of Psalms, while primarily associated with King David's emotive and personal expressions of faith, takes a startling turn at Psalm 90, the only Psalm attributed to Moses. This psalm stands out for its contemplation on mortality, the fleeting nature of human life, and the eternal nature of God, offering a stark contrast to David's more personal and immediate reflections on life's struggles and joys.
Psalm 90's focus on the transience of human existence against the backdrop of God's timelessness introduces a sobering perspective to the Psalter. It calls me back to an honest reckoning of the brevity of my life. I have but a short time to find my best life, and here is the guidance: live by seeking wisdom and living in alignment with God's will. Psalm 90 provides the theological anchor and grounds the remainder of the Psalms—its diverse expressions of human experience—into the reality of God's eternal nature and sovereignty.
Mortality, the value of wisdom, and the implicit call to adhere to God's teachings—serve as a counterbalance to the Psalter's exploration of personal feelings. They encourage a life lived with an awareness of God's grandeur and a commitment to righteousness. This psalm reminds me of the need for divine guidance and mercy in my human journey.
I used the image of a tombstone to help explore these ideas, but it’s not my name on the grave—it’s the days that are numbered. They will pass; but I will remain alive if I learn to live by Wisdom. Then I will gain its beating heart.