“You return man to the dust and say, ‘Return, O sons 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. It is as God spoke to Adam: “You return to the ground because out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you will return” (Gen. 3:19). Whether we live 1,000 years or 60 or 70, it is nothing compared to eternity and passes like a watch in the night.
Eternal Father, grant unto 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 are 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, 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 hand!
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.
“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding, for her profit is better than the profit of silver, and her increase better than fine gold.” Proverbs 3:13-14
The wisdom and understanding gained through the study of God’s revealed 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, despise not the discipline of the LORD or be weary of His correction, for whom the LORD loves He corrects, 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 substance, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; then will your barns 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.
