Alex J. Nagem © August 16, 2025

When the Bible mentions someone’s age, it reminds us that life is both a gift and a journey. Each year, each day, each breath is part of God’s plan. Scripture says, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, RSVCE). How much wisdom is in your heart? A heart of wisdom is not just about knowledge-it is about living rightly before God. In Scripture, wisdom is not merely knowledge, but the grace to align our lives with God’s will, seeing reality through His eyes, and making choices that lead us closer to Him. Awareness of life’s brevity leads to wisdom. It teaches us to place God first, and to live each day as a gift.

To “number our days” is not about obsessing over time but about living with eternity in mind. The ages recorded in the Bible tell us that regardless of how long or short a person lived, their life mattered in God’s plan. The same is true for us. Our life matters to God.

God is not concerned with how long we live, but how we live: Did we love Him above all? Did we serve our neighbor? Did we seek His will? And my favorite thought about someone’s life: Did they have a passion for God while they lived?

Like Abraham, Moses, and the saints, we are pilgrims traveling through time toward eternity. Our numbered days are not meant to evoke fear but to awaken us to the urgency of choosing Christ each day.

A Simple Reflection on Life:

If someone were to write about your life in a spiritual “book of ages,” what would stand out the most — your years lived, or your faith lived? Will they write that you had a passion for God when you lived?

Prayer of Thanksgiving for Life

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the gift of life and for the years You have granted me.
Each day is a blessing, a chance to know You more deeply and to walk in Your ways. Thank You for the breath I breathe, for the time I am given, and for the opportunities to love, serve, and grow in faith.

Help me to use my days wisely, to live with gratitude and trust in Your plan.
When I look back, may I see Your hand guiding me; when I look ahead, may I walk with courage, knowing You are with me.

I place my life, my time, and my future in Your loving hands.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

“God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.” St. Augustine

You are remembered in my prayers, as I hope my family and I are remembered in yours.

Vocatus Atque Non Vocatus Deus Aderit

Alex J. Nagem