“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”--Psalm 90:12
Often, when we have a significant life event coming up, such as a wedding, anniversary, birth of a child or grandchild, or birthday, we start to strategically plan each day leading up to it, preparing ahead of time by making necessary arrangements, checking details and more, all to make sure we’re ready and haven’t forgotten anything when the time comes. Having a timeline to accomplish a goal helps us to stay on track.
Yet, sometimes when we feel like there are endless days ahead for us to accomplish our goals, we often find ourselves living life day-to-day, letting time pass by, putting things off until tomorrow, or next week, or next year, because we believe there is plenty of time to do what we want and need to do.
Jesus’ Days Were Numbered
In examining the life of Jesus, we see that He knew His days on earth were numbered, living each day to the fullest and accomplishing what His Father had put Him on earth to do.
Jesus understood His time on earth was short and set out to fulfill God’s will for Him. Jesus said in John 6:38, “For I have come down from heaven not to do My will but to do the will of Him who sent Me.”
Although we may view Jesus’ time on earth differently from ours, God has also placed us on earth for a purpose and to fulfill His will for our lives.
Our Days Are Numbered, Too
Although we may not know how many days we have to live on earth, it’s true that our days, too, are numbered. God has given each one of us a timeline for our lives, with our days known only to Him.
Not considering our days may cause us to feel like we can take our time in accomplishing the things God has put in our hearts. But rather than taking our time, we need to pay attention to His cues, such as reaching out to others when we have the thought or desire to do so.
After all, He does know how many days we have, and if He is prompting us to move and take action, then isn’t it something we want to take notice of and respond to?
As Psalm 39:4 asks, “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.”
Numbering our days helps us believe that each one truly counts, to move forward with plans, and to resist taking for granted that we’ll have plenty more time to accomplish what we want and need to do. Instead, we realize that each day could be our last on earth.
Some may think this is a dark way to think and live, but it’s just the opposite - motivating us to consider today vitally important and to make sure to say “I love you” to those we hold dear, to give freely, and to accomplish what needs to be done.
As a hospice chaplain, my husband works with countless people who are facing the end of their lives. Having an idea that their end-of-life is approaching helps them prioritize what is truly important to them and what really matters in the long run. It helps them avoid putting off what they can do today until tomorrow.
Numbering Our Days Motivates Us
As the scripture passage explains, numbering our days helps us gain wisdom and pursue and prioritize what’s truly important in life.
As the Apostle Paul warns us, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Many of us have known people who didn’t know their days on earth would soon end, taken without prior notice, some in an instant. Because they didn’t know, they didn’t have the urgency to tie up loose ends, or spend time with those they loved, or share the Gospel like they had planned.
And like them, most of us don’t know either, but even so, we have the opportunity today, as we live and breathe, to do what God is leading us to do in our lives, such as forgive those who’ve hurt us, to say “I love you” to friends and family, and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who do not know Him.
Let’s Pray: Dear Father, lead us today to number our days so that we might do Your will. Please help us to prioritize and put into action the things you’re leading our hearts to do. Strengthen us to live our lives each day to the fullest. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
How did today’s devotional speak to your heart? Share it in the iBelieve Truth discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/gyn9038
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber
Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.
In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Friday, 14 November 2025.
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