Our scripture this morning is Psalms 90.
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.” A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death— they are like the new grass of the morning: In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered. We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. If only we knew the power of your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.
This Psalm states in many ways the might of God and the frailty of humans. It is right that we consider God’s power over all things, remembering that we are His creation. We sometimes forget that we are not in control, and while God has given us free will to do as we choose, it is His plan that leads to eternity.
The psalmist reminds us that we are only here temporarily, urging us to “number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (v. 12). Our lives are intended as a gift from God, that we might grow in wisdom and love. However, He does not force our obedience or worship, wanting us to choose Him as He has chosen us.
We must gain an understanding of the world and our place in it. God has work for us here and rest for us in the world to come. We must accept the blessing of salvation sent to us through Jesus Christ and live out the charge He gives.
Gracious God, we are grateful for all our many blessings. Help us to use them wisely for the good of all Your children, that we may all live with You eternally. Amen.