[:en]SCRIPTURE: PSALM 90
“The length of our days is seventy years – or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrows, for they quickly pass, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10)
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12)
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17)
The author of this Psalm was Moses. The Psalmist talked about the eternal and faithful God. He is our dwelling place through all generations. He described how short human life span is. Man will turn to dust like a day that has just gone by, like a watch in the night, like a new grass in the morning that springs up news, but by evening it is dry and withered (vs. 3-5).
While Moses was leading the people out of Egypt, the nation rebelled in unbelief at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. God told them to go and possess the land, but they won’t do it. (Numbers 13-14). They did not believe that God would enable them to conquer the land. They doubted God’s promise and question His wisdom. As a consequence, God announced that everyone 20 years of age and older would die within the next 40 years. For the next 40 years, the people wandered in wilderness and the old generation died. It was the younger generation that conquered the Promised land.
Moses described how short life is. Men will turn to dust like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night, like a new grass in the morning that withered in the evening (vs. 3-5). That was why Moses prayed: “So teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (v. 12) Moses told us to live our days at a time, to live by taking care of the heart and to live by God’s wisdom. He asked God to have compassion by satisfying us with His unfailing love so that we may sing for joy (v. 14).
In closing, he made 3 requests:
- Make us glad as many years as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble (v. 15)
- Show your deeds and splendor to us (v. 16)
- Establish the work of our hands (v. 17)
Reflection:
The frailty of men needs a divine God to have an eternal refuge. Only through faith in Christ can we share His eternal life.
Sin brought forth God’s anger and wrath. Repent and confess your sins. Know how to number your days by asking wisdom from God. Yield to Christ and follow His commands. Do not waste your life on meaningless endeavor. Instead, strive to labor for His kingdom in eternity.
Let God be in your life by having confidence in His faithfulness and grace. Focus on the eternal not the temporary. Realize that life is short and death is certain. Abide by His word and do the will of God. Live your life for His glory. Keep your heart with all diligence and let Him control your life.
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