Psalm 90

It’s been suggested you can learn something about a person’s values by reading the bumper stickers on their car.

Here’s five. Can you finish them?

Where there’s a will…

He who laughs last…

If you can read this…

I think, therefore…

In case of rapture…

Well, the five I came across are probably a bit different than your answers.

Where there’s a will…I want to be in it.

He who laughs last…thinks slowest.

If you can read this…I’m not impressed. Most people can read.

I think, therefore…I’m single.

In case of rapture…Can I have your car?

Granted, these may seem a bit twisted, but they do reflect something about the person, either their values, attitude or maybe humor.

The Psalms, however, provide for us a more sober and serious view of life, our struggles, and our relationship with God. They are light years beyond bumper sticker theology. For the past several weeks, we’ve been addressing some of the Psalms and exploring their themes.

Psalm 90, ascribed to Moses, is probably the oldest Psalm. It is penned as a prayer. Moses speaks to the eternity of God and the frailty of mankind. He contrasts God’s holiness with our sinfulness. And reminds us of God’s blessings that satisfy our deepest desires.

Psalm 90 naturally divides itself into three sections. This outline from Warren Wiersbe’s commentary sparked the thoughts for this short devotional.

We Are Travelers and God is Our Home

“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.”

Moses affirms that God’s omnipresence is measured by the history of His people, the creation of the world, and the passing of time. Of course, God is not limited by time. He transcends time. God is. And always has been.

Thus, we ought to make him our habitat. Our dwelling place. Our abode. Often we pray, “Lord be with us.” Instead, maybe we ought to pray, “Lord, may we be with you.”

We Are Learners and Life is Our School

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

I recall someone once posting on facebook, “Life is hard…then it gets harder.” Often this is the case. As Job observed, “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (14:1). Moses knew something about life’s challenges as he led Israel through the wilderness and dealt with their constant complaining.

It’s been said “experience is the best teacher.” That’s only true if we learn something from it. Moses learned to trust God. Follow God. Obey God. And rely on His providence and provisions.

We also learn, as Moses did, about life’s brevity. Indeed we are but a vanishing vapor. A fleeing shadow. And a budding flower that soon fades and withers. Thus, we must make the most of time. Use it wisely. And employ it to fulfill God’s purpose.

We are Believers and the Future is Our Friend

“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us.”

We can survive and find satisfaction even during dark days. We can find gladness even during evil days. And we can find meaning, significance, and purpose even during days of doubt. If we allow it, life’s experiences can prepare us for a future in God’s eternal presence. In the midst of joys and sorrows, we must remember that earth life is a transient assignment and a temporary residence. This life is but a prelude to prepare for our eternal home in heaven.

If Moses had a bumper sticker on his chariot, what do you think it would have said? Maybe, “Life Begins & Ends With God…It’s Not About You.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman