Psalm 90
A Prayer of Moses, The Man of God

Moses’ Heartache:

Psalm 90:1-11
Lord, you have been our dwelling place
in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You return man to dust
and say, “Return, O children of man!”
4 For a thousand years in your sight
are but as yesterday when it is past,
or as a watch in the night.
5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,
like grass that is renewed in the morning:
6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
in the evening it fades and withers.
7 For we are brought to an end by your anger;
by your wrath we are dismayed.
8 You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 For all our days pass away under your wrath;
we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
10 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.
11 Who considers the power of your anger,
and your wrath according to the fear of you?

The Context of the Psalm is Numbers Chapter 20
1. Miriam, Moses’ sister and strongest personal supporter dies. (20:1)
2. The people quarrel with Moses and Aaron over wandering in the wilderness and the lack of water. (20:2-9)
3. In anger Moses strikes the rock that God told him merely to speak to, providing abundant water for others but bringing consequences to both he and Aaron. (20:10-13)
4. Edom, the children of Esau and Israel’s brother refuse to allow Israel to cross their land, causing great hardship. (20:14-21)
5. Aaron dies and all Israel weeps. (20:22-29)

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

The Man of God’s Prayer:

Lord I know I can trust you, you have always been our refuge. I ask three things for both me and my people.

1. Grant us Perspective, so that life makes sense.

2. Grant us joy, so that life is full.

3. Grant us a legacy, so our lives make a difference for generations to come.