Psalm 90:1-8, 12 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 90:1-8, 12 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Verse 2Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Verse 3You turn us back to dust, and say, "Turn back, you mortals."
Verse 4For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.
Verse 5You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning;
Verse 6in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.
Verse 7For we are consumed by your anger; by your wrath we are overwhelmed.
Verse 8You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
Verse 12So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.
Devotion
I recently became a parent for the first time. I now read this Psalm from a whole new perspective. I see my daughter growing quickly day by day. It is scary to realize how quickly she will reach the age of 20; and likewise, how quickly I will be 20 years older.
It does feel as though life passes away like dew in the morning. The days of our life are soon gone and we fly away. This is a reminder to focus on what matters: our relationship with God, our loved ones and our mission on earth.
It is also a reminder not to delay or put off what needs to be done. Get right with God. Get right with our loved ones. Get right with our neighbors while there is time.
Prayer
O God, you are our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home. Amen. (LBW 320)