Psalms 90:17 is about invoking God’s favor upon the works of our hands and establishing the work of our hands to reflect His everlasting glory.
17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands!
Setting the Scene for Psalms 90:17
The scene in Psalms 90:17 is set in a humble dwelling on the outskirts of a bustling city. The room is filled with a warm glow from the flickering flames of an oil lamp, casting shadows on the walls adorned with simple tapestries. Seated on a worn rug are a group of individuals, their faces reflecting a mix of weariness and hope. Among them are a weary widow named Sarah, a young shepherd named David, and a wise elder named Samuel. They have gathered together in this modest setting after a long day’s work to seek solace and wisdom in the words of the psalmist.
Sarah, David, and Samuel have come together through shared experiences of loss, triumph, and faith. Sarah, having lost her husband to illness, finds comfort in the presence of her fellow believers. David, who tends to his flock in the hills, seeks guidance on how to navigate the challenges of his youth. Samuel, the elder of the group, imparts his wisdom gained through a lifetime of devotion to God. As they meditate on the words of Psalms 90, their hearts are lifted with the promise of God’s favor and the hope of a brighter tomorrow. The flickering light of the oil lamp serves as a reminder of the enduring presence of God in their midst, illuminating their path with divine grace and mercy.
What is Psalms 90:17 about?
This verse is a powerful prayer for God’s favor and blessing to be upon us. It acknowledges our dependence on God’s grace and guidance in our daily lives. We are seeking His presence, protection, and provision in all that we do by asking for the favor of the Lord to rest upon us. We are also acknowledging that our works and efforts need to be established and sustained by God for them to be successful and fruitful.
Reflect on the significance of this verse. Consider the importance of seeking God’s favor and assistance in all aspects of our lives, including our work, relationships, and endeavors. How does this verse challenge you to rely on God’s strength and wisdom rather than your own capabilities? How can you incorporate this prayer into your daily life, seeking God’s guidance and blessing in everything you do? God is always ready to pour out His favor upon you and establish the work of your hands as you meditate on this verse. Trust in His provision and guidance, and let this prayer be a reminder of your need for His presence and blessing every day.
Understanding what Psalms 90:17 really means
Psalms 90:17 is a prayer that resonates with the deepest desires of our hearts – a plea for God’s favor to rest upon us and for the work of our hands to be established by Him. In the context of this verse being attributed to Moses, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of human life and the necessity of God’s enduring presence in all that we do. The words of this psalm echo through the ages, speaking to our innate need for divine guidance and approval in our daily endeavors.
The key phrases in Psalms 90:17 hold profound meanings that speak to the core of our relationship with God. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us” is a heartfelt request for God’s grace and blessing to accompany us on our journey. It signifies a longing for His presence to be a constant source of strength and guidance in our lives. The subsequent plea to “establish the work of our hands for us” acknowledges our reliance on God for the success and permanence of our efforts. It humbly recognizes that without His blessing, our labor may be in vain.
The repetition of the request to establish the work of our hands underscores the urgency and sincerity of our plea to God. It serves as a reminder of our complete dependence on Him for the fruitfulness of our endeavors. This repetition emphasizes the importance of aligning our work with God’s will and seeking His guidance in all that we do. Psalms 90:17 encapsulates the essence of surrendering our plans and efforts to God, trusting in His wisdom and providence to lead us on the right path.
Drawing parallels from other biblical passages such as Proverbs 16:3 and Colossians 3:23-24, we see a consistent theme of committing our work to the Lord and working diligently for His glory. These verses reinforce the idea that our labor is not in vain when done with a heart devoted to serving God. In a world where success is often equated with personal achievement and recognition, these passages remind us of the eternal significance of aligning our work with God’s purposes.
The relevance of Psalms 90:17 in today’s society is profound. In a culture that often values productivity over purpose, this verse serves as a poignant reminder that true fulfillment comes from seeking God’s favor and aligning our efforts with His will. It challenges us to view our daily tasks as opportunities to glorify God and contribute to His greater plan. By recognizing that our work is ultimately in God’s hands, we can find peace and purpose in even the most mundane of tasks.
Consider the story of a struggling business owner who, after turning to God in prayer, experienced a transformation in both their business and personal life. Through seeking God’s favor and entrusting the work of their hands to Him, they found a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Their business began to thrive in ways they had never imagined, illustrating the transformative power of aligning our efforts with God’s will. Psalms 90:17 serves as a beacon of hope and assurance, reminding us that when we seek God’s favor, He will establish the work of our hands, leading us on a path of fulfillment and blessing.
What does it mean to establish the work of our hands?
Establishing the work of our hands means asking God to bless and make successful the labor and efforts we put into our work. It involves seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, and blessing upon the tasks we undertake, acknowledging that our work is ultimately in His hands. We are recognizing that success and fruitfulness in our work come from God’s favor and intervention, rather than through our own abilities alone. We are inviting God to establish the work of our hands, shaping, guiding, and bringing about outcomes that align with His will. This acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and involvement in our work can bring a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and dependability to our efforts, knowing that we are partnering with Him in all that we do. Establishing the work of our hands ultimately humbly recognizes our dependence on God for the outcomes and impact of our labor.
Application
Let’s remember the power of God’s favor as stated in Psalms 90:17 – it’s like the key to unlocking success in the work we do, both at work and at home. Our call as believers is to align with God’s blessings and let His wisdom pave our path to success. Each day is an opportunity to seek His favor, infusing our tasks with divine purpose. How will you actively seek God’s favor today to bless and guide your actions?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.