by Victor Isaac
One of the prayers we should always pray and aspire to pray daily as a believer is Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Moses, the writer of this psalm, reminds us that life is short and fragile, especially when compared to God’s eternity. This verse is not about counting days on a calendar but about intentionally living with awareness and purpose. When we recognize that our time on earth is limited, we begin to value what truly matters. Wisdom grows when we stop drifting through life and start asking God how each day should be lived for His glory.
In light of the above, Psalm 39:4 provides a fitting background to this prayer of humility, with the Psalmist saying: “Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am.” David’s words echo the same truth: human life is brief, and strength fades quickly. This realization is not meant to frighten us but to ground us. When we accept our frailty, we are more likely to depend on God’s guidance rather than our own plans. Pride weakens when we see how temporary our achievements are, but faith deepens when we entrust our days to the eternal God.
Depending on God’s guidance leads us to faithful and godly living. For example, a person who understands that life is short will be careful with words, choosing kindness over anger. A believer who numbers their days will prioritize time with God in prayer and Scripture, knowing that spiritual growth matters more than temporary success. Even in daily choices: how we treat family, how we work, how we serve others, etc. Wisdom shapes actions when God’s will becomes the center of one’s life. Living this way does not waste time on bitterness, sin, or empty pursuits.
Ultimately, Psalm 90:12 calls us to prioritize a godly life above all else. Careers, possessions, and recognition will pass away, but a life lived in obedience to God has eternal value. When we ask God to teach us how to live each day, He forms our hearts to love what He loves and to walk in His ways. This prayer lifts our eyes from the temporary to the eternal, and fills our hearts with hope. A numbered life, guided by God, becomes a faithful life; rich in wisdom, peace, and purpose.
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