May 7

Introduction

Psalm 90: This psalm is a communal prayer that reflects the human quest to understand life’s meaning, particularly as life is drawing to a close. It juxtaposes the eternity of God with the shortness of human life. In this psalm, the Lord is called “our home.” The psalm was most likely written in response to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Prior to that time, “home” or “house” in the Psalms would have referred to the Temple.

Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 90:1–2

O Lord, you have always been our home. Before you created the hills or brought the world into being, you were eternally God and will be God forever.

Reflect

This psalm begins by affirming God’s eternity and everlasting care for humankind (verses 1–2), followed by describing the brevity of life (verses 3–10), and concluding with a prayer for redemption (verses 11–17). What are your thoughts regarding the verses about God’s anger (verses 7–13)? What does the writer ask of God? A beloved hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” is based on Psalm 90, and you may wish to compare the words of the psalm with this hymn.

Pray

O God, you are our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, and our eternal home. Fill me each morning with your constant love, and may your favor rest upon me each day of my life. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Psalm 91: A psalm expressing trust in God.