THINK ABOUT YOUR LIFE

Psalm 90
1 Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. 2 Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. 3 You turn men back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men." 4 For a thousand years in Your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. 5 You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning--though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered. . . . 12 Lord, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. . . . 14 Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. . . . 17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us--yes, establish the work of our hands.

Ready or not, it's Monday and another week is under way. What's ahead for you? Can you see the obstacles and the opportunities?

I think Moses was asking the same questions when he wrote Psalm 90. Though it's one of the oldest chapters in the Bible, it identifies some of the same needs we face today. He asked this in his prayer, "Lord, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom" (v.12).

God wants you to think about your life. Biblically speaking, this reflection includes three things:

Look back. How was last week? How did you act in the relationships that matter most to you? How were you at work? How did you handle the challenges you faced? Look back and ponder it. You may be thinking, But when I do that, I see some ways I really blew it. So . . .

Look up! Take those things before God. Ask Him to forgive you. Purpose in your heart to begin again. Then . . .

Look ahead. For many years now, every Sunday night or early Monday morning I take some time to look ahead. What's coming this week? Who will I be talking to? Where are the hurdles that will have to be cleared? Think about it.

You're thinking, Where do you find time to do that? My point exactly. First of all, you must begin each day with Jesus. Second, God has given us one day a week where we take time to rest, and part of resting is reflecting. This is God's model in Genesis 2:2, and His command in Exodus 20:8-11.

This kind of reflecting will help you get your priorities in line. You'll move the big things to the top of the list. But you'll do that well only if you spend some time in reflection every week.

Time is to be used for a purpose. God wants to get some things done--first in us, then through us. His starting point is to plant His wisdom in us. Let that happen. Take some time today--reflect. --James MacDonald

DESTINATION POINTS

• Am I afraid to look at my life too closely? Why? • How can I cultivate the habit of reflection?
• Should I establish a time each week when I will Look Back, Look Up, and Look Ahead?

bottom line: Your days on earth are numbered--count carefully.

soul journey