The Good Shepherd: Devotions Inspired by Psalm 23Sample

Today in View of Eternity 

By Marcus Brecheen 

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

“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25–27 (NIV) 

I was recently in Colorado and had the opportunity to climb a fourteener named Uncompahgre Peak. At 14,321 feet above sea level, it is the highest summit of the San Juan Mountains. The view from the top is spectacular with a 700-foot cliff that exposes a large outcrop of bedrock. As I stood close to the edge, I wondered how sturdy the rocks were beneath me. Every once in a while, a story surfaces of a rock ledge that finally gives way, and I prayed I wasn’t standing on the next one. 

But isn’t that how all of life is—lived in view of eternity? Every day, every drive, and every dull and forgotten moment is lived on the brink of a precipice, lingering between our time here on earth and eternity. 

Near the end of World War II, C. S. Lewis wrote: “The war creates no absolutely new situation; it simply aggravates the permanent human situation so that we can no longer ignore it. Human life has always been lived on the edge of a precipice.” Indeed, my morning spent peering from the top of Uncompahgre Peak is what we all do every day without even realizing it: live on the edge of a cliff between here and eternity. And more times than we care to admit, the rocky crag gives way under our feet. We were all confronted with this reality when COVID-19 gripped the world. Friends and family lost their battles, and our collective awareness grew of just how close to the edge we dance. 

No matter how well we prepare, moths and rust will eat away at the treasure we thought secure. Even nations and economies aren’t exempt—all feel the effects of time as it rushes forward. It’s not morbid to number our days; it’s wise. Life is so brief, even if it lasts 100 years. What then? Wisdom considers and starts preparing. 

Each day begins and ends without fanfare; it can get monotonous. Yet numbering our days begins with today—this repetitive yet unrepeatable day. Every day is filled with 1,440 minutes—each minute either mundane or pregnant with hope. When the seed of eternity has filled you with hope, it changes your view of the future. 

Many preachers say we are in the last days. Whether they are right or wrong, only God knows. But these are our last days, whether Jesus returns to us or we go to Him. This revelation is reason for hope and joy, not fear and dread. So, lift up your head—your redemption draws near! 

PRAYER 

Father, I can honestly say I’m a little hesitant to number my days. The thought of my own death is strange to consider, and as much as I love You, there is so much mystery about what happens next. So I need grace and revelation. Please guide me through a healthy and happy way to gain a heart of wisdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION    

• Thank God that He has not given you fear, even in the valley of the shadows.    
• Thank God that Jesus has gone before you to prepare a place for you.    
• Thank God that eternity will be filled with nearness to Him, beauty, loved ones, and unfolding revelation of how great His love is.    
• Thank God for a growing confidence that He will guide you all the way home.

Holy Spirit, what are You saying to me today?

MEMORY VERSE

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4