Numbering Our Days, October 27
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By David Gira
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12 NIV).
“Numbering our days” is a curious expression. It doesn’t mean counting the days you have been alive, although that is an interesting exercise.
Numbering our days also doesn’t mean counting how many days we think we have left to live. That can be a real downer, and not our job. David wrote, “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15 NIV). Only God knows when your life on earth will end. God only knows why I am still alive while others who had the same cancer are not. Doctors may tell you how many days they think you have left, but God only knows.
All we need to know is that God is good, loves us, and is with us. Nothing, including death, will ever separate us from the love of God that we receive through Jesus (see Romans 8:38-39).
Numbering our days does mean recognizing that we have limited time to live on earth and choosing to live each day like it truly counts. It means living every day well. Seizing the day. Carpe Diem! Spending our time wisely. “Gaining a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Wisdom is living God’s way. It’s making choices today we won’t regret tomorrow. “Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!” (Psalm 90:12 MSG).
Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses and the generation of Israelites who journeyed in the wilderness for forty years after being delivered by God from slavery. Despite God’s steadfast goodness and miracles, they refused to fully trust and obey, and constantly complained, doubted, and worshipped idols. Consequently, they never set foot in the Promised Land. If only they had learned to number their days.
Praise God—this will not be our fate. The Bible is clear: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV). But because of Jesus, we are forgiven, free, and empowered by his Spirit to live every day with and for Him. Even on our last day, like the thief on the cross, we can be confident that “today” we will be with Jesus in paradise (see Luke 23:43).
Cancer can open us to learning how to number our days. After my diagnosis, I treasured time like never before. I did not want to miss a thing each day—time with my wife, children’s events, and moments with family and friends. I longed to see my kids graduate and build their lives, celebrate more wedding anniversaries, and see dreams come true.
Numbering our days means living every day in awe of God, worshipping, giving thanks, trusting, obeying, serving, and abiding in His love. One day will be our last day here. We can count on that. But knowing our finite lives are held in God’s everlasting arms is solace for the soul.
Pray: Lord, thank You for all the days of my life. Forgive me for taking so many for granted and for all my grumbling. Use this cancer experience to help me number my days and gain a heart of wisdom. Help me live every day with You and for You. Amen.
Your Turn: Listen to “Live it Well” by the band Switchfoot. I love the chorus:
Life is short; I wanna live it well
One life, one story to tell
Life is short; I wanna live it well
And you're the one I'm living for
Awaken all my soul
Every breath that you take is a miracle
Life is short; I wanna live it well1
1. “Switchfoot - Live It Well Lyrics.” AZLyrics.com. Accessed April 6, 2023. https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/switchfoot/liveitwell.html.
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a seven-year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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