The Fleeting Shadow: Confronting the Frailty of Man (Psalm 90:3-11)
Introduction:
Psalm 90, penned by Moses, is a sobering reflection on the brevity of human life and the overwhelming power of God. It forces us to confront the frailty of our existence, reminding us that we are but fleeting shadows in the grand tapestry of eternity. Today, we will delve into verses 3-11, exploring the physical and spiritual frailty of man, and then turn to verses 12-17, where we find hope and guidance in seeking God's help.
I. The Physical Frailty of Man (Psalm 90:3-6)
A. Turning to Dust (v. 3):
• "You turn man to destruction and say, 'Return, O children of men.'"
• Moses acknowledges that God is the one who brings us back to dust, reminding us of our mortal nature.
B. Time's Relative Nature (v. 4):
• "For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night."
• In God's eternal perspective, our lifespan is but a fleeting moment.
C. The Transience of Life (v. 5-6):
• "You carry them away like a flood; they are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up: In the morning it flourishes and grows up; in the evening it is cut down and withers."
• We are likened to a flood, a passing sleep, and grass that withers quickly. Our lives are fragile and temporary.
II. The Spiritual Frailty of Man (Psalm 90:7-11)
A. Consumed by God's Anger (v. 7):
• "For we have been consumed by Your anger, and by Your wrath we are terrified."
• Our sins expose us to God's righteous anger.
B. Sins Exposed (v. 8):
• "You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your countenance."
• Nothing is hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13). He sees our innermost thoughts and desires.
C. Separation From God (v. 9):
• "For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; we finish our years like a sigh."
• Sin separates us from God (Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:2; Habakkuk 1:13).
D. God Opposes the Proud (James 4:6):
• "But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'"
• Our pride and rebellion exacerbate our spiritual frailty.
E. A Sad Life of Sin (v. 10-11):
• "The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath."
• A life lived in sin is marked by toil, sorrow, and the fear of God's judgment.
III. Seeking God's Help (Psalm 90:12-17)
A. Teach Us To Number Our Days (v. 12):
• "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
• We must recognize the brevity of life and seek wisdom from God.
B. Satisfy Us Early With Your Mercy (v. 14):
• "Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days!"
• We need God's mercy to find true joy and satisfaction.
C. Make Us Glad According to Our Afflictions (v. 15):
• "Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, the years in which we have seen evil."
• God can bring joy even in the midst of suffering.
D. Let Your Work and Glory Appear to Us (v. 16):
• "Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their children."
• We desire to see God's work in our lives and witness His glory.
E. Establish the Work of Our Hands (v. 17):
• "And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of 1 our hands!"
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• We seek God's blessing on our endeavors, that they may bring Him glory.
IV. Am I Making My Life Count?
• This passage compels us to reflect on the purpose and direction of our lives.
• Are we living in light of eternity?
• Are we seeking God's wisdom and guidance?
• Are we making our lives count for His kingdom?
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Conclusion:
Psalm 90 is a stark reminder of our human frailty. Yet, it is also a call to seek God's help, to number our days, and to live with wisdom and purpose. Let us embrace the fleeting nature of life, not with despair, but with a renewed commitment to serving God and making our lives count for eternity. May God's mercy and glory fill our hearts, and may He establish the work of our hands for His glory. Amen.
