This is The Most Important Math You’ll Ever Do…
On my office wall is a collage of photos. Most of them are just of my children, but there are two other additions.
First, there’s the last Christmas card I ever received from my friend Mandy. Mandy served on the Leadership Team here at Good Morning Girls for 6 years and in March of 2017, she died tragically in a house fire. The other is the Funeral Pamphlet of my Pastor, Steve Marshall, who died of cancer in March of 2018. He was my Jr. Youth Pastor, then Sr. Pastor, he was heavily influential in my decision to go to the Moody Bible Institute (his alma mater) and I went on many missions trips with him at the lead. He officiated my wedding, he led both of my baby dedications and he passionately preached truth and love until the day he died.
Both Mandy and Steve lived their lives completely surrendered to the Lord. They were bright lights in a dark world and they both touched many many lives in their short time here on earth. On weary days their photos remind me to keep going because…
life. is. short.
This brings us to Psalm 90:11 where the Psalmist writes:
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…
(Psalm 90:11)
The Psalmist says we have about 70 years to live and if we are strong, perhaps 80 years. During those years, we will work hard and face hardships. But then quickly – the years will be gone and we will “fly away.”
So what is his prayer?
12 Teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom…
(Psalm 90:12)
The Psalmist prays and asks God to teach us to number our days. Why? So we can have hearts that are wise.
Is this your prayer today?
- Teach us God!
- Oh Lord, help us remember that life. is. short!
- Give us wise hearts!
Of all the math we do in our lifetime, this is the most important…
Numbering Our Days.
In Bible times, men would number their sheep, oxen, harvest and coins, but rarely did a man number his days. It is something we must be taught to do and it’s not a mind exercise – it’s a heart one. We don’t do it naturally, but it leads to wisdom as we remember how short life is.
Pause for a moment and do the math.
If you live to be 80, how many years do you have left? Now multiply that number by 365.
How many days do you have left?
What if the years are only 70 total – now how many days do you have left?
Life is short and uncertain.
How can we live more wisely and for eternity, in the days we have left?
Teach us God! This must be our prayer.
Wisdom is learned not automatic. In our youth, it seems like we are immortal and untouchable and like our lives are going to last forever. But as we age and we begin to lose loved ones or face health issues, we realize life is less certain than we thought. For some, this is reason for despair but for those who believe in Jesus, it should cause us to grow wiser.
Since we know that life is short and uncertain, then we must ask…
What is God’s will for my life?
How can I live for eternity with my one short life?
It’s in seeking answers to these questions that our hearts grow wiser. We are no longer chasing every dream or fleeting desire that the world throws at us because every morning His love is satisfying.
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
(Psalm 90:14)
Yes this… “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love Lord.”
There is no hour like the early morning hour to meet with God. That’s why our groups here at Women Living Well are called Good Morning Girls Groups. In the morning, he satisfies us with his steadfast love, so that we can have glad hearts and strength for the hardships and temptations of the day.
Life is short and uncertain.
May our prayer be the same as the Psalmist’s:
Lord, teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
This is the most important math we’ll ever do.
Walk with the King,
Math is not an exciting topic however I really appreciate the wisdom of this post. At a very troubling time when I have dealt with tremendous loss, I am reminded God has a will for my life and to continue to seek Him.
I too am dealing with a tragic loss and this certainly made me think.
I never got to meet sweet Mandy in person, but her online presence was so inspiring and I learned so much from her under the Leadership Team. She is the epitome of a younger person with wisdom gleaned from the Holy Spirit far beyond her years. She has left her mark on the world and surely is dancing in heaven. Your pastor sounds like he was a wonderful man and indeed you were blessed to have them both in your life. God bless you Courtney and may He continue to fill the empty spaces left by their loss. <3
I’ve also recently been hearing a lot about numbering the days we have to raise our children to adulthood. Same idea and so sobering. I’m copying this psalm for my work space during the day (or maybe the bathroom mirror–never tried that before). But yes, every moment must be treasured and used wisely. Which is even harder to do in this age of distractions and the Internet. Thank you for reminding us to be steadfast. I really appreciate your wisdom and reflections for applying the scripture to our daily lives.
I remember Mandy, and the tragic news of her passing. I didn’t know her personally, but her heart & love for the Lord shined. I believe that she touched many hearts during her short years here, and that her life will be having Kingdom effects for years to come. Our lives are short, our days are numbered, but God’s purposes last through eternity. Thank you for sharing this today, and for the blessing of your ministry.
Yes…. thank you for pressing in and onward on your calling and purpose – you bless me courtney – May all your days be filled with His peace in your heart …
Thank you Courtney, a prayer needed for everyday! Thank you for your insights and faithfulness to teach sound doctrine! ???? much love to you dear sister!
Thank you Courtney! I have been numbering my days for quite some time now. I am 64 and I try to comfort myself in saying “there is longevity in my family”, but God has control over my time, not the genes I inherited.
I am grateful for each morning that my Heavenly Father wakes me, and I spend every morning with Him in scripture, prayer, and gratitude.
On the days that life wants to beat me up, I remember whose daughter I am, and I straighten my crown.
Your words are truly an inspiration to me. Blessings to you dear Sister in Christ.
I love this! “On the days that life wants to beat me up, I remember whose daughter I am, and I straighten my crown.”
I echo Patty’s words! How poetic and true. There are so many days I need to remember who’s I am and straighten my crown!
Thank you Courtney,
I don’t often comment, but this was such a good reminder! Recently I have been thinking of heaven in a more real way. Losing loved ones really is a sobering moment. And seeing those who mourn without hope is so heart breaking. What a great God we have, who gives us eternal life where there are no more good byes and tears! Blessings to you as you faithfully follow His call in your life!
Great message for me. Im 63. Need to make the time I have left count for the Lord. Thanks for the confirmation and message Courtney.
Wow, I needed to hear this. My daughter passed away 2 years ago today. Since that day things have never been the same for me in regards to each day. I know that each day is a gift given to us through is Grace and mercy. Math was never my favorite but when death happens it becomes reality real quick. So, I make sure the children I have here on earth that our Father keep here with me know I love them and that each and every day is a gift.
God bless you, Courtney. This was very thought provoking and timely for me. I need to make the most of the days I have left whether it’s one day or 7000.
As I have experienced a husband going through chemo and radiation for throat cancer, I can say thank you Lordnfor life. Life is precious. I need to make every day count for the Kingdom. I have been knocked down, but I get up every time, because of Whose I am. Thank you for the reminder Courtney; and may God continue to bless you.