Reflection. Think About It

Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. You turn men back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men." For a thousand years in Your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning—though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered… Lord, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom… Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days… May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.

 

Psalm 90

 

 

Ready or not, another week is under way and soon coming to an end.

 

What has taken place and what is still left ahead for you?

 

Can you see the obstacles and the opportunities?

 

I think Moses was asking the same questions when he wrote Psalm 90. Though it's one of the oldest chapters in the Bible, it identifies some of the same needs we face today. He asked this in his prayer, "Lord, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).

 

God wants us to think about our life.

 

Biblically speaking, this reflection includes three things:

 

1. Look back – what has transpired?

2. Look up – take what has transpired to God.

3. Look ahead – think about what lies ahead and act on the direction God is leading in.

Where do you find time to do all this?

 

First of all, we must begin each day with God. Second, God has given us one day a week where we take time to rest, and part of resting is reflecting. This is God's model in Genesis 2:2, and His command in Exodus 20:8-11.

 

This kind of reflecting will help us get our priorities in line. Time is to be used for a purpose, and God wants to get some things done—first in us, then through us. God's starting point is to plant His wisdom in us—let that happen—take some time to reflect.