Devotions By Jan

Scripture for Today: Psalm 90:4 “A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by or like a watch in the night.”

I risk dating myself by admitting to watching this television program as a child. The contestants would share their difficult circumstances and the audience would vote on who was most deserving to be crowned, “queen for a day.” Much was made of the crown, robe and roses and the lucky lady was given gifts and paid nights out. In contrast, much is made today (and rightly so) of the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II, seventy years on the throne!

Today’s verse gives us another perspective on the passage of time, be it a day or seventy years. The One who created time is not bound by it. He sits above the heavens and in the light of eternity His view is completely different than ours! A thousand years to the God of the universe is just a blink of the eye. And the span of our years, however many there are, is nothing before Him (Ps. 39:5). Our years pass too quickly, and then we “fly away.” (Ps. 90:10)

It all sounds pretty negative until I realize what is ahead! Queen Elizabeth’s faith in Christ means that she is now in a different Kingdom where she herself bows the knee to the King of Kings! And my faith in Christ also means an eternity with my Creator and the Lover of my soul! In the meantime, this same psalm tells me to number my days (verse 12) and so live wisely. My days are to be spent focused on serving my King. And being “heavenly minded” means I can be of the most earthly good!

Lord, may this day be lived for You.

Scripture for Today: Daniel 1:9 “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.”

“Rabbit’s clever,” said Pooh thoughtfully. “Yes,” said Piglet, “Rabbit’s clever.” “And he has Brain.” “Yes,” said Piglet, “Rabbit has Brain.” There was a long silence. “I suppose,” said Pooh, “that that’s why he never understands anything.”― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh How astute of Pooh! He surprises me with his funny insights. And it does seem that the more we think, study and learn, the more we realize how little we know and understand.

Today’s verse refers to Daniel and 3 other young men of Israel’s nobility who were taken captive by the King of Babylon. These four were singled out among all the captives to be trained for special service to the King, as they showed aptitude for learning and were well informed (vs. 3-4). These men were committed to keeping their dietary laws and God blessed their faithfulness with something they would desperately need. He gave them knowledge and understanding. Their own efforts at learning would be enhanced by this gift.

There is a whole dimension to knowledge and understanding that is missed when the Source is denied or ignored. It is from the mouth of the Lord that knowledge and wisdom come (Prov. 2:6). And knowing Him is understanding (Prov. 9:10). Although study, research and efforts to learn are very important, they can somehow fall short of that elusive step of understanding. How wonderful that God graciously offers it to those who fear and obey His Word! I will never understand it all this side of Heaven. But whatever I do understand is His gift to me.

Thank you Lord for the understanding You give.