Moses – The Making of a LeaderSample

Day 21:  Moses’ Psalm – Psalm 90 

Thoughts on the Passage

We do not know when Moses wrote this Psalm. In many ways it feels like sometime near the end of his life as he looks back and sees the trials, difficulties and painful aspects of life. It also has this incredible positive attitude in the midst of the challenges. I am going to mention the challenges, but focus on some of the powerfully positive things he says.

Moses describes time as a challenge to us. God is outside of time and we are stuck in it. As a result, our struggles focus on limitations and trying to succeed when we make so many mistakes and failures. When we compare that to God who is not limited by time, it sets up a dramatic picture of opposites. 

God is holy – we work through our failures. God is timeless – we last but a moment. God is judging us based on eternity – our results are mere shadows. It seems like an unfair comparison. However, Moses tells us two things. 

First, he asks God to help us number our days. Thinking about our limited time can help us choose wisely – gain a wise heart. That means we recognize not only who we are in relation to who God is, but that we seek what God wants us to do in this life. Having joy in our days. Seeing His mercy work in our lives. Seeing His work released by us. These are all things that show we know how to count our days – and use them well.

Second, Moses asks God to establish the work of our hands. That is an amazing prayer. He asks God to give permanence to our temporary life’s activities. That is a bold, bold statement. It also expresses the heart of every person – we want to have significance. Only God is permanent, but Moses sees that God wants to enable our limitations to produce something eternal. 

Application to our Life

Have our limitations caused us to work frantically, or work with wisdom?

What does God want me to do that has eternal significance? Am I willing to pay the price to have that happen?

Time to Pray
Father, it is so easy to just do life – and not do it with Your wisdom. I see it all around me. People seeking wealth, fame, human acclaim…. You said seek Your kingdom and righteousness first… that is true wisdom and understanding. Your great desire for me is results that have eternal significance. They are available if I walk in Your wisdom. That is my prayer today. Give me a heart of wisdom, and give me strength and understanding to use it every day. In Jesus' name, Amen.