A Shift from Lament to Praise
Scripture: Psalm 90:1-4, 12-17 -Lord, You have been our refuge in every generation. 2 Before the mountains were born, before You gave birth to the earth and the world, from eternity to eternity, You are God. 3 You return mankind to the dust, saying, “Return, descendants of Adam.” 4 For in Your sight a thousand years are like yesterday that passes by, like a few hours of the night.
12 Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. 13 Lord—how long? Turn and have compassion on Your servants. 14 Satisfy us in the morning with Your faithful love so that we may shout with joy and be glad all our days. 15 Make us rejoice for as many days as You have humbled us, for as many years as we have seen adversity. 16 Let Your work be seen by Your servants, and Your splendor by their children. 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish for us the work of our hands— establish the work of our hands!
Reflection:
Book 4 of the Psalms marks a significant shift from the themes of lament in the previous books to themes of praise and recognition of God's sovereignty. Psalm 90 opens this section with a profound acknowledgment of God's eternal nature and our need for wisdom.
"Lord, You have been our refuge in every generation. Before the mountains were born, before You gave birth to the earth and the world, from eternity to eternity, You are God" (Psalm 90:1-2). These verses remind us that God has always been and will always be our refuge. He existed before creation and will continue to exist long after.
Verse 12 calls us to "number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts." This is a call to live with intention and awareness of our limited time on earth, making the most of our lives by seeking God's wisdom.
Despite the troubles and adversities faced, the psalmist finds hope and joy in God's faithful love. He prays, "Satisfy us in the morning with Your faithful love so that we may shout with joy and be glad all our days" (Psalm 90:14). This shift from lament to praise is a deliberate choice to focus on God's enduring love and goodness.
Reflection Questions:
1. How have you experienced God as a refuge in your life?
2. What does it mean to you to "number your days carefully"?
3. How can you cultivate a heart of wisdom and gratitude amidst life's adversities?
Application:
Reflect on how God has been a refuge for you throughout different seasons of your life. Make a list of specific instances where you experienced His protection and provision. Use this list as a reminder to cultivate a heart of gratitude and praise, even in difficult times.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our eternal refuge and source of wisdom. Teach us to number our days carefully and develop wisdom in our hearts. Satisfy us each morning with Your faithful love, so we may shout with joy and be glad all our days. Help us to shift our focus from lament to praise, recognizing Your sovereignty and goodness in every situation. In Jesus' name, Amen.