Quote
The old year dies and we face the new year as though it were an entity, new as a newborn babe… Yet all our yesterdays are summarised in our now, and all the tomorrows are ours to shape,…and year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.
This wonderful quote was written by the late Hal Borland, who was an American author, journalist, and naturalist, best known for his nature-related writings. He worked with the New York Times, where he wrote a nature column.
Borland gained popularity for his observations of the natural world and the changing seasons, often expressing a deep appreciation for the simplicity and beauty of rural life.
Reflecting on the abovementioned quote, Borland writes about a holistic and philosophical perspective on the passage of time, which emphasizes the cyclical nature of our years on earth.
Perhaps the most powerful observation within this quote, is that there is the potential for renewal within our living through the influence of the past on the present, the power to shape the future, and the wisdom gained through experience.
Renewal
Within the Holy Scriptures, the biblical definition of renewal for living souls involves a spiritual transformation facilitated by God’s grace, often through the work of the Holy Spirit. It encompasses the renewal of the mind and heart, becoming a new creation in Christ, and the restoration of individuals in their relationship with God.
In my search for a supportive Scripture reference to collaborate with Hal Borland’s quote, I was led to Psalm 90:12. This passage of Scripture expresses the profound spiritual truth about the impermanence of life, the need for divine guidance, and the pursuit of wisdom in the context of our limited time on Earth.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NIV)
In another translation it reads, “So teach us to count our days so that we will become wise.” (Psalm 90:12, CJB)
Here are some major spiritual truths that can be gleaned from this verse:
Initially, this verse emphasizes our need to recognize the transient nature of life by asking our Creator to teach us to number our days. In doing so, we can be encouraged to be mindful of the brevity and fragility of our lives in space and time.
Next, the writer of this Psalm encourages each faithful follower to the need for divine guidance by humbly seeking spiritual wisdom from heaven instead of wisdom from the earth. The prayer for wisdom in the context of numbering days suggests a desire for an eternal perspective. It’s a recognition that true wisdom comes from understanding life in light of eternity, beyond earthly existence’s temporal and fleeting nature.
The last spiritual truth in this Psalm is our need to value time, making the most of each moment while applying the spiritual wisdom from God within our living and being conscious of the choices and decisions we make. This requires spiritual self-reflection and personal analysis of our lives, priorities, and actions as Children of God. Amen
A Wasted Life
Many spiritual, religious, and moral traditions generally encourage individuals to value and make the most of their lives, fulfilling responsibilities, and contributing positively to society. As we have disclosed in our blog thus far, there is a greater if not a deeper responsibility for humanity.
We are to seek, find, and nurture spiritual or moral growth. Wasting life, in these contexts, is generally considered a missed opportunity to fulfill one’s purpose or potential.
Throughout the Holy Scriptures, the Bible addresses the consequences of lacking fellowship or forgiveness from God. The separation from God is often referred to as spiritual death or being in a state of sin.
The ultimate wisdom and power of the invisible God is manifested in the New Covenant offering of the Son of God, Jesus the Messiah. The themes of redemption, repentance, and restoration emphasize the need for every living soul throughout their journey, to seek and obtain reconciliation with God through faith in Jesus Christ and the acceptance of God’s forgiveness.
Closing Prayer
Seek Adonai [Lord] while He is available, call on Him while He is still nearby.
Let the wicked person abandon his/her way and the evil person his/her thoughts.
Let him/her return to Adonai [Lord], and He will have mercy on him/her.
Let him/her return to our God, for He will freely forgive. -Isaiah 55:6-7 CJB
Grace and Peace
Brother Alonzo