A Prayer of Moses, the man of God.

“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were born
Or You gave birth to the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”

“You turn mortals back into dust
And say, ‘Return, you sons of mankind.’
For a thousand years in Your sight
Are like yesterday when it passes by,
Or like a watch in the night.”

“You have swept them away like a flood, they fall asleep;
In the morning they are like grass that sprouts anew.
In the morning it flourishes and sprouts anew;
Toward evening it wilts and withers away.”

Human Frailty and Divine Judgment

“For we have been consumed by Your anger,
And by Your wrath we have been terrified.
You have placed our guilty deeds before You,
Our hidden sins in the light of Your presence.”

“For all our days have dwindled away in Your fury;
We have finished our years like a sigh.
As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years,
Or if due to strength, eighty years,
Yet their pride is only trouble and tragedy;
For it quickly passes, and we disappear.”

“Who understands the power of Your anger
And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You?”

A Plea for Wisdom and Mercy

“So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”

“Do return, Lord; how long will it be?
And be sorry for Your servants.
Satisfy us in the morning with Your graciousness,
That we may sing for joy and rejoice all our days.”

“Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us,
And the years we have seen evil.
Let Your work appear to Your servants
And Your majesty to their children.”

“May the kindness of the Lord our God be upon us;
And confirm for us the work of our hands—
Yes, confirm the work of our hands.”

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Context and Meaning

Psalm 90 is the only psalm attributed to Moses, and it’s a sobering reflection on God’s eternal nature versus humanity’s frailty and fleeting life. Likely written during the wilderness years, it acknowledges sin, suffering, and mortality—but ends with hope in God’s mercy and purpose.

This psalm begins the fourth book of Psalms and sets a tone of humility and wisdom in the face of eternity.

Key Themes:

1. God Is Eternal and Unchanging: Before anything existed, He is God (v. 1–2).
2. Life Is Brief and Fragile: Time is swift and humanity is like grass that fades quickly (v. 3–6).
3. Sin Has Consequences: God sees and judges even our hidden faults (v. 7–11).
4. Wisdom Comes from Perspective: Learning to “number our days” leads to wise living (v. 12).
5. Hope Is in God’s Mercy and Favor: Despite life’s brevity, we can find joy and purpose in Him (v. 13–17).

Reflection and Impact

Psalm 90 calls us to live wisely, humbly, and hopefully in light of eternity:

• Don’t Waste Time: Life is short—invest it in things that matter eternally (Ephesians 5:15–17).
• God Sees What’s Hidden: Our sins aren’t secret to Him—confession and repentance are essential (1 John 1:9).
• Pray for Joy Despite Hardship: Like Moses, ask for satisfaction in God—even after affliction (v. 14–15).
• Anchor Your Purpose in God’s Work: Ask Him to establish the work of your hands, so it lasts (v. 17).

Application

• Ask God for Wisdom in Time: Let this be your prayer: “Teach me to number my days”.
• Pursue Eternal Things: Build relationships, character, and service that outlast this life.
• Find Joy in God’s Grace Each Morning: Start each day with gratitude and dependence.
• Invite God to Establish Your Labor: Let your work—whether ministry, family, or service—be confirmed by Him.

Closing Thought

Psalm 90 humbles us with the reality of time but lifts us with the hope of God’s favor.
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us… and confirm the work of our hands.”