July 21 | Psalm 90:12-17

Pastor Dave Mann
Jul 21
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Blessing and Sorrow

By Dave Mann

Rick Warren’s best-selling book of 2002, The Purpose Driven Life, begins with a four-word sentence -- “It’s not about you” -- short and to the point. Psalm 90:12 is more poetic but focuses on the same message. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. May we know our mortal limitations. We become wise when we are humble, acknowledging that the purposes of God are greater than our personal successes or failures.

Verse 13 accepts that believers may well have serious sorrows. But God’s purposes are not thwarted with our failures and difficulties. Relent, Lord! How long will it be?

Likewise, believers’ lives may well be blessed by good fortune. Nevertheless, we should not be surprised that God’s purposes and the progress of the Kingdom of God are not to be confused with our own exaltation and joy. Verse 14 bears witness to such pleasant parts of a believer’s life. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

There are many verses in holy Scripture that promise God’s blessing, protection, and encouragement. Here is one of my favorites: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

There are also many Scriptures that acknowledge that Christian believers are not immune from deep sorrow. Here is one of my favorites of this category: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalms 34:18

Many of the people that I respect the most in life have been greatly blessed by our Lord. But they have also suffered as well. They are familiar with joy and with grief. Blending these two together leads us to this truth, which I consider the bottom-line of Psalm 90: May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us. Establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. We rest in the Lord whether we succeed by the world’s standards, or we stumble. We still study; we still prepare. We still plan; we still work. But, as we lean in prayer to him, and as we listen for his guidance, it is the Lord who is working in and through us.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, you are a great provider for all our needs, leading us to great blessing. You are also a great consoler, familiar with great pain and sorrow. Lord, let me not overly rejoice in my successes lest I become proud and forget you, nor let me be overly discouraged by my failures lest I forget your power. Whether in blessing or grief, allow me to be drawn to you in Jesus’ name, Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of six. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.