God of the Past, the Present, and the Future
Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Psalm 90:1-2
Psalm 90 is a perfect psalm for the end of the year. For one thing, this psalm includes the word “year” more than any other. In the Hebrew text of Psalm 90, the word translated as “year” (shena) appears seven times. No other psalm includes shena more than twice.
But, apart from the frequency of the word “year” in Psalm 90, its themes speak powerfully to us as we turn the last page of the calendar.
Here’s the first theme:
God has been our home through all the generations.
Vs. 1 can be literally translated, “from year to year to year” (90:1). This wonderful truth is illustrated in the next verse – “before the mountains were born,” God is God (90:2).
The psalmist is making a profound point. God has been there for us in the past, is there for us in the present, and will be there for us in the future.
God has been there for us in the past, is there for us in the present, and will be there for us in the future.
A second theme surfaces in verse four:
God sees all of time in a single moment.
Though we can make a big deal out of the change of years, from God’s perspective, “a thousand years are like a day” (90:4).
This fact reminds us of God’s unique perspective and that all the hype surrounding New Year’s doesn’t really matter in the long run. Tomorrow night, the big crystal ball will fall in Times Square, but from God’s point of view, nothing has changed regarding His sovereignty and faithfulness.
While celebrating this reality, we witness the third theme a few verses later:
God makes His presence known to us, even and especially in times of trial.
As seen in vs. 10, Psalm 90 doesn’t deny the difficulties of life: “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble…”
Yet, even then we are offered hope – “… soon they disappear, and we fly away” (90:10). What a wonderful promise!
Finally, we’re also reminded to make the most of these years we’re given and given the following encouragement:
God helps us to be wise.
Note vs. 10 – “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”
When we realize that we have only so many hours on earth, we’ll be eager to use them well. In accepting the limits of our lives, when we ask God for assistance, He will help us to wisely use every minute given us.
Psalm 90 underscores the fact that what gives life purpose and meaning is a living relationship with the living God. I can’t think of a better thought with which to end the year and begin a new one.
What gives life purpose and meaning is a living relationship with the living God.
If we engage each day in the confidence of God’s love and presence, we will be motivated and empowered to live for him. For, in the end, it’s not a matter of counting our days – it’s making our days count.
In the end, it’s not a matter of counting our days – it’s making our days count.
PRAYER
All praise be to you, O God, because you have been our home through all generations. We are always at home with you, and you are always there for us.
All praise be to you, O God, because you see all of time in a single moment. Years are like seconds to you. Your wisdom and sovereignty exceed anything we can imagine.
All praise be to you, O God, because you make your presence known to us, even and especially in times of trial. When our years are filled with pain, they are also filled with your love and the promise of a heavenly home.
All praise be to you, O God, because you help us to be wise on a daily basis. You teach us through your Word. You instruct and guide us through your Spirit.
All praise be to you, O God, because you have been with us in this past year, and you will be with us always!
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