Psalm 90

As you begin a new week I want to offer up a Psalm attributed to Moses.  At first glance, this Psalm may feel a bit heavy, as it is a reminder that our days are fleeting.  But it is also an invitation to see how God has been our refuge and strength time out of mind.  As this Psalm comes to a close we see how when we encounter God, despite all of our hardships, he fills us with deep joy and establishes the work he has invited us to partner with him to do.  Without his salvation, all would be lost, but because of it all is redeemed.  

May these verses be an encouragement to you this week.  ~  Melissa

Psalm 90

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.

You return mankind to the dust,
     saying, “Return, descendants of Adam.”

For in your sight a thousand years
     are like yesterday that passes by,
like a few hours of the night.

You end their lives; they sleep.
They are like grass that grows in
     the morning -
in the morning it sprouts
     and grows;
by evening it withers and dries up.

For we are consumed by your anger;
     we are terrified by your wrath.

You have set our iniquities before you,
     our secret sins in the light of your
presence.

For all our days ebb away under
     your wrath;
we end out years like a sigh.

Our lives last seventy years or,
     if we are strong, eighty years.
Even the best of them are
     struggle and sorrow;
indeed, they pass quickly and
     we fly away.

Who understands the power of
     your anger?
Your wrath matches the fear that 
     is due you.

Teach us to number our days
     carefully
so that we may develop wisdom
     in our hearts.

Lord - how long?
Turn and have compassion on 
     your servants.

Satisfy us in the morning with 
     your faithful love
so that we may shout with joy
     and be glad all our days.

Make us rejoice for as many days
     as you have humbled us,
for as many years as we have
     seen adversity.

Let your work be seen by your
     servants,
and your splendor by
     their children.

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!