Back to School – Teach Us to Number Our Days
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

What does it mean to number our days? It’s more than just counting time; it’s about making time count. Psalm 90:12 is a humble prayer for perspective, asking God to help us live with an awareness of life’s brevity, so that we might live it wisely. While we may not know the exact number of days we have on this earth, we do know that our time is limited. Life is fragile and can be unpredictable. And with that truth in mind, it’s worth asking: How are we spending our days?


Are you a planner – someone who prioritizes the important things before making time for rest and enjoyment? Or are you a procrastinator, often leaving what matters most until the last possible moment? Perhaps you don’t think much about how you spend your time at all, simply letting life unfold as it will. And most importantly: Where does God fit into all of this? If we truly want to make the most of our lives, learning to manage our time with wisdom is essential. So, how can we that? Here are three simple ways to get the most out of your time:


1. Make God Your Number One Priority.
In a world that constantly demands your time, energy, and attention, it’s easy to let your relationship with God slip to the background. But if you truly want to live wisely and purposefully, as Psalm 90:12 urges, then placing God at the center of your life isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential. Making God your number one priority means intentionally setting aside time to be with Him, no matter how packed your schedule may be. It means beginning your day not with your to-do list or your phone, but with quiet moments in His presence – reading His Word, praying, and listening for His voice. Yes, this might require sacrifice. You might have to wake up a little earlier, skip some screen time, or rearrange your routine. But every minute you spend with God is an investment in your soul, and it’s never wasted. The peace, clarity, and strength that come from prioritizing God can’t be found anywhere else. When God is first, everything else begins to find its proper place.


2. Organize and Order the Other Things in Your Life.
For our students, education is their current calling, even if it doesn’t always feel exciting. It’s the season and place where God has positioned you right now, and because of that, it deserves your focus, discipline, and commitment. Prioritizing your education doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life or have fun; it simply means you understand the value of stewarding your responsibilities well. During the school year, things like classes, assignments, tests, and projects must take precedence over late-night movies, spontaneous hangouts, or entire weekends spent doing “nothing.” One of the most practical ways to keep your life in order is to use a planner or calendar, whether it’s a physical notebook or an app on your phone. When your life is disorganized, stress multiplies, but when you create order, you give yourself room to breathe, think clearly, and make better decisions. Bringing order to your daily life is a God-honoring discipline that positions you to succeed in all your responsibilities.


3. Hold Yourself Accountable.
Once you’ve set your schedule and priorities, don’t stop there but pray over it. Invite God into your planning. Ask Him to guide your steps, help you manage your time wisely, and give you the strength and focus to accomplish what needs to be done. Remember, time management isn’t just a practical skill, it’s also a spiritual discipline. But prayer alone doesn’t replace action. That’s where accountability comes in. Find someone you trust such as a mentor, friend, parent, or elder who will check in with you regularly. Share your goals and schedule with them, and give them permission to challenge you when you’re slipping or becoming distracted. Accountability isn’t about guilt or pressure; it’s about encouragement, growth, and staying on track with what matters most. When you
take your commitments seriously and invite others to walk alongside you, you’ll find it easier to stay disciplined, motivated, and faithful to what God has called you to do in this season.


Our students will undoubtedly learn many new things this school year, and we hope that time management is one of them. It’s more than just a helpful skill; it’s an important step toward living the kind of life God calls us to live. There will be things you have to do, things you want to do, and things God will call you to do. With the right mindset and a heart prepared to honor Him, this year holds the potential to be truly blessed.


May the grace and blessings of God Almighty be with us all!


With love and prayers,
Rev. Christopher Phil Daniel
Vicar, Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church, CT