We do not know when Moses wrote Psalm 90, or at what age he was. What we do know is that he had thought the matter through concerning time (his time) and the eternity of God. The conclusion he put into prayer…and this prayer he ordered, and used, as he sought from God the answers. In light of the brevity of our lives, should we not take it to heart to learn from this Godly man, and apply what he learned in a very specific, deliberate, and successful manner? For indeed, we are all called upon to redeem the time, and to use it well. But how?
Moses begins with God BEING our dwelling place…in all generations. The then proceeds with creating a context, “For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” (v.4) What a contrast between the eternal, and the span of our lives. How does Isaiah put it? “All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth…but the word of our God shall stand forever.” (Is.40:6,8) Are not both Moses and Isaiah saying the same thing, especially in light of the day, when “…we fly away”? (v.10) The question then becomes, “If God in His mercy and grace has given us time, however short or “long” it may be, should we not use it well, in light of eternity? ” How then shall we use it?” Moses, by the Spirit, comes to our aid, and provides us with specifics in prayer, giving God access to our need, that indeed, we may use time well. Hence, the prayer:
- “Satisfy us early with Thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” (v.14) It is imperative that we believe God to meet us “early,” and completely.
- “Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants…” Again, “…without a vision, the people perish.” God has given us the “Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him…” We need a vision of what His work, and what He would have us trust Him for.
- “Let Thy glory appear unto their children..” Nothing changes the heart like the revelation of Christ to the heart…may the fragrance of His life be revealed to our children.
- “Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us…” May we truly be transformed into Christ’s image by the manifest life of Christ within us by the Spirit.
- “Establish the work or our hands…yes, the works of our hands, establish Thou it.” May He bless and prosper that which Thou has called us to Him for…for His glory.
In summation, may we apply our hearts unto wisdom, using well the opportunity and resources that are given to us. And may we give our Maker and Redeemer full, and specific access, to every need, so that He will intervene to His glory. If we pray in faith, our time will be used well in the context of eternity.
Love, Dad