This Day in History: 0000-04-10

April 10 – Psalm 90:10-12 

Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty.
But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away.
Who can comprehend the power of Your anger?
Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve.
Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. 

Life is short. Short, and miserable if we’re honest. That is the reality of this fallen world, and there is great value to be found in recognizing and accepting these truths. Yet our instinct is to deny them.  

Our sinful hearts tell us that happiness is here for the taking to anyone who will just work hard enough, fight long enough, learn more, try harder, never give up. We put our heads down and give it all we’ve got. We put all of our own strength into achieving our dreams, reaching our goals, living longer, having more, knowing it all, finding happiness. But it is in vain. 

On the other hand, when we come face to face with the reality of our powerlessness, our sinfulness, and our brokenness and recognize instead the mighty power of the Lord, His absolute perfection, and His intolerance for sin, something changes. Instead of charging into this life in our own strength, we recognize our need for salvation. 

It is there – from a place of humility – that we’ll find true wisdom. With holy fear and awe we will bow before our Creator in repentance and accept the free gift He has offered. Only then will we have any chance at happiness… only, it will be joy instead. Unlike happiness, joy is lasting, complete, and has nothing to do with our circumstances.  

So, may we begin today to face the reality of our situation. May we learn to number our days so that we will grow in wisdom!