“You turn man to destruction, and say, ‘Return, O children of men.’ For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night.” Psalm 90:3-4
We sometimes forget that physical death is part of the curse brought about by our sinfulness. God’s words to Adam are also true of us. We “return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19). Whether we live 1,000 years or 60 or 70, it passes like a watch in the night and is nothing compared to eternity.
Eternal Father, grant to us a right understanding of sin and its consequences that we might repent of our sinful ways and look in faith to You for mercy and forgiveness in Christ Jesus and His cross before our days in this world have passed away. Amen.
“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Psalm 90:1-2
Though our earthly lives are brief, the Lord God is from everlasting to everlasting. “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). He holds our very breath in His hands (cf. Dan. 5:23). How important it is that we remember that our Lord and Savior is the eternal God who created us and holds our lives in His hands!
O eternal God, grant that we see the brevity of our lives and our continual dependence upon You. Move us to live our lives revering You as our God and Maker and trusting in You for mercy in the shed blood of Christ Jesus, our Savior. Amen.
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. Proverbs 3:13-14
The wisdom and understanding gained through the study of God’s Word bring blessing and happiness far greater than anything that can be obtained with silver or gold. The Scriptures make us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus and teach us how to live godly lives in this world (2 Tim. 3:14-17).
Move me to read and study Your Word, O God, and grant me wisdom to see my sinfulness but also my hope and salvation in Christ Jesus and His cross. In His name, I pray. Amen.
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction; for whom the LORD loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:11-12
Those who trust in God and the promises of His Word willingly accept the LORD’s chastening and correction, even though it may be unpleasant (He may afflict us or take from us our goods, health, or loved ones) because we know He, as our loving Heavenly Father, is working for our good to keep us in the true faith and trusting in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Grant that I willingly endure Your discipline, O LORD, and hold fast to the promises of Your Word unto life everlasting. Amen.
“Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10
When we truly fear, love, and trust in the LORD God, our Maker and Redeemer, we will honor Him with all we possess and give and devote to Him our best, trusting that He will provide more than enough to meet our needs.
Forgive me, O LORD, for my failures to love, trust, and honor You above all things. I pray in the name of Jesus, who loved me and gave Himself as a perfect sacrifice for my sins. Amen.
