My father was called home to his eternal home in heaven just 21 days before his 89th birthday. Sometimes I wonder how many years I will live on this earth before passing into eternity with the Lord. Maybe you think about this too. God’s chosen man, Moses, lived to be 120 years old, and we are told that from his birth, he was no ordinary child (see Acts 7:20-34).
Psalm 90 is the only psalm written by Moses. While living in Pharaoh’s palace, he received a comprehensive education. Moses grew in wisdom and was powerful in both speech and action. As expected, Moses provides us with profound wisdom and guidance in Psalm 90.
He was about forty years old when he committed a serious sin—murdering an Egyptian overseer—and he fled to the Midianite desert. The next forty years were spent serving his father-in-law as a shepherd of sheep before God specifically called him to lead and shepherd the people of Israel out of Egypt. Moses’ name is mentioned over 800 times in the Bible. He faithfully served the Lord.
“Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures.”
- Psalm 90:10
Most of us want to retire by age 80, so verse ten might seem daunting or impossible. However, I know many friends and family members who are in their eighties or nineties, and they faithfully live each day with the strength the Lord gives. Each one is a great example of living purposefully to please God.
TEACH US
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
- Psalm 90:12
First, he emphasizes the importance of learning and receiving instruction. We need a coach or tutor to teach us new concepts and lessons. However, we must be willing to accept the teacher’s guidance and training.
Ask the Lord to show you how to number your days.
How should I use my time?
What activities will I choose to fill my schedule?
Who will I spend my time with?
When we seek to learn and practice these lessons, our hearts will grow in wisdom (see Proverbs 2:10).
SATISFY US
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
- Psalm 90:14
Moses asks the Lord to fill us with His love. This is not a secret formula or magic potion. We make choices about where to focus our attention. What will our perspective be when we open our eyes each morning? Will we align our minds with what the Spirit desires and live according to the Spirit (see Romans 8:5)?
Do you begin your morning expecting the Lord to meet your needs through His faithful, covenant-keeping love? When we experience, recognize, and acknowledge the Lord’s love, our lips will sing with joy, and our hearts will be full of gladness.
It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.
- Psalm 92:1-2
ESTABLISH US
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.
- Psalm 90:17
In conclusion, Moses prays for God to bless His people with favor. It is the Lord who establishes us and determines our value and worth. The work of our hands is insignificant unless the Lord guides and directs our efforts. Although we are frail sinners, God’s love, kindness, and compassion can transform our weaknesses into offerings for His glory.
Head to Heart
Number your days. There are 365 days in a year.
Subtract your current age from eighty. Then multiply that number by 365. What is the result? Note: If you are older than 80 years, calculate the additional days and years of blessing that the Lord has given you. Thank Him for the strength He has provided.
Look closely at that number. What are your thoughts about the number of days you might have to live your life?
Are you living each day in the strength of the Lord?
Do you seek to gain wisdom from the Lord?
Is your heart filled with a joyful song because of God’s unfailing love?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Just as Moses asked for the beauty of Your favor to rest upon Your people, I humbly bow before You today. Would You grant me the strength, wisdom, joy, and gladness to live today for Your glory? I pray that You would establish the work of my hands. Amen.
DGTM RESOURCE: Your Personal Decision to Walk with God
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