Another Year is Dawning

"Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

I love the start of a new year. It's a chance not only to remember and reflect upon the events of the last year; it's also a chance to take stock, recalibrate, and set a course for the new year. Most of us make some attempt to change something in our lives. Experts say the most common resolutions center around spending less; eating less; and exercising more. Perhaps those resolutions are course corrections from the recent holiday season when we spent too much; ate too much; and exercised too little. Some of us may resolve to read our Bibles more; watch television less; decrease the amount of time spent on social media; or be less tethered to the constant notifications coming from our watches, fit bits, or cell phones.

Today's verse is a prayer penned by Moses about 3400 years ago. Moses begins his prayer with a look at God, the eternal timeless God who measures a thousand years as a day (v4). Moses then focuses on the mortality (v3,5) and brevity of man whose average life span is only 70-80 years (v10). Moses then finishes his prayer with a plea for God to help us (not just him!) number, not our years, but our days. He begs God for a heart of wisdom.

In 1874, author Frances Havergal penned the lyrics to "Another Year Is Dawning." The words initially were used as a New Year's card, but eventually made their way into Havergal's extensive hymn collection. Like Moses, Havergal's words are a fervent prayer for a year of knowing God and making Him known to others.

 Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

 In working or in waiting, another year with Thee;Another year of progress, another year of praise,Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,Another year of training for holier work above;Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it beOn earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

Gaining a heart of wisdom is certainly a worthy resolution, not just for a new year, but for an entire lifetime. A heart of wisdom begins with a proper recognition of Who God is and moves on to having a proper recognition of who we are. May 2020 be a year remembered, not for a national political election, but for a fervent prayer answered.

"Lord, teach us to number our days."

Category – Discipleship