This psalm was missed at the beginning of this study. Although it is here, it should be the first one in these writings.
God is eternal. Man is not. This is the first psalm written. It was written by Moses. Probably shortly before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Realize that at least a million Israelites died during their punishment for not trusting God. In those forty years of wonder, those million or so people 20 years of age and older died. Do some math here. One million divided by forty years is 25,000 per year, which is about 68 people per day or two to three each hour. They fought in no wars. They just died. This is the low end of the number too. So, is it any wonder Moses is considering the frailty of man in this psalm and comparing it with the majesty of God?
- Verses 1-6-God does not need a place for people to gather, for He is our sanctuary. We will see this same terminology in Psalm 91.9 in our next study. He is from “vanishing point to vanishing point” as the Hebrew would exclaim for the English translation “everlasting to everlasting.” He is before we can imagine and beyond what we can fathom.
- Verses 7-11-With God there are no secrets. What is done in the darkness of your room is evident before Him and His judgement will come.
- Verses 12-17-Four items of prayer are listed here: Teach us to number our days (12), give us peace with You (13), give us mercy (14-15), and work in us again (16-17).
All men die. The wise man seeks to live his life for God. When we fulfill His purpose for our lives, we live the greatest life possible. It is not the number of years you live but the amount of life you allow God to use through you in those years.
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I think this psalm reminds us that life quickly passes. Therefore, it is important for us to embrace each day He gives us and use it to accomplish the things He has called us to do. He gives us each day for a purpose and we are to live out that purpose.