Jehovah Helps Us"To Count Our Days" Continues

Regarding the life span of imperfect humans, the psalmist says: "In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; and if because of special mightiness they are eighty years, yet their insistence in on trouble and hurtful things; for it must quickly pass by, and away we fly." (Psalm 90:10) A life span of 70 years is typical of people in general, and at age 85, Caleb cited his unusual strength. There have been exceptions, such as Aaron (123), Moses (120), and Joshua (110). (Numbers 33:39; Deuteronomy 34:7' Joshua 14:6, 10 11; 24:29) But of the faithless generation that came out of Egypt, registered ones from 20 years old and upward died within 40 years. (Numbers 14:29-34) Today, in many countries the general human life span remains within the range given by the psalmist. Our years are filled with "trouble and hurtful things." They pass by quickly, "and away we fly." - Job 14:1, 2

The psalmist next sings: " Who is there knowing the strength of your anger and your fury according to the fear of you? Show us just how to count our days in such a way that we may bring a heart of wisdom in." (Psalm 90:11, 12) Not one of us fully knows the strength of God's anger or the extent of his fury, and htis should heighten our reverential fear of Jehovah. It should, in fact, motivate us to ask him "just how [we can] count our days in such a way that we may bring a heart of wisdom in."

The psalmist words are prayer that Jehovah teach his people how to exercise wisdom in valuing and using their remaining days in a God-approved way. A life expectancy of 70 years hold out hope of some 25,000 days. Regardless of our age, though 'we do not know what our life will be tomorrow, for we are a mist appearing for a little while and then disappearing.' (James 4:13-15) Since 'time and unforseen occurrence befall us all,' we cannot say how much longer we will live. Let us therefore pray for wisdom to deal with trials, to treat others properly, and to do our best in Jehovah's service right now-today! (Ecclesiastes 9:11; James 1:5-8) Jehovah guides us by means of his Word, his spirit and his organization. (Matthew 24:45-47; 1 Corinthians 2:10; 2Timothy 3:16,17) The exercise of wisdom moves us to 'seek first God's Kingdom' and to use our days in a way that brings glory to Jehovah and makes his heart rejoice. (Matthew 6:25-33; Proverbs 27:11) Worshipping him wholeheartedly will not remove all our problems, of course, but it certainly results in great joy.

Next time: Jehovah's Blessing Brings Us Joy