Studies in the Psalms - Psalm 90

Psalm 90 is the oldest psalm of the Bible. It was written by Moses and in it we find many true lessons about life and about ourselves.

Psalm 90:1-2

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.  Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

First of all, we see here that God is eternal. We also see that He created the world. Though He appoints us places to live, life on earth is merely a temporary journey. It is in God, that we are meant to dwell.

Psalm 90:3-6
You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!”  For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.  You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning:  in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.

Unless we are alive when Christ returns, we will die.

Psalm 90:7-8
For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed.  You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

It is sin that kills us. And the wrath of God shall come down upon all those who do not have the covering of the Blood of Christ. Without Christ, God’s anger will come down upon us. There is no sin that God does not see. None.

Psalm 90:9-10
For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh.  The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.

Moses wrote this a very long time ago. Yet, he tells us the normal life span most of us can expect. Make it to seventy or possibly around eighty, and you’re doing good. But know this about life; it will involve toil and trouble. The years will pass by quickly.

Psalm 90:11
Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you?

Moses is speaking to God in this psalm. It’s a rhetorical question. The answer is that none of us, unless the Holy Spirit reveals it to us, will understand that we are sinners and without Christ, are going to come unto the judgment of God at the end of our lives.

What about you, dear Christian? Do you consider the power of God’s anger and His wrath? Do you fear God? Just because we are justified by the Blood of Christ does not give us license to sin. The truth is if you think you can just wantonly disregard the commandments and law of God because you are saved, then you might want to reevaluate your salvation. As Paul instructs us to in Philippians 2:12, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Considering what we learn in this psalm from Moses, we can pray as he does in its final words.

Psalm 90:12-17
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.  Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!  Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.  Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil.  Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.  Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

We must dwell in God. He is our true dwelling place and we shall find no true peace or joy until we do. My prayer for all of us is for God’s favor to be upon us. Then we can be glad for as many days as God has afflicted us.

Amen.