A daily top up

How much longer will your anger last?
Have pity, O LORD, on your servants!
Fill us each morning with your constant love,
so that we may sing and be glad all our life.
Give us now as much happiness as the sadness you gave
during all our years of misery. (verses 13-15)

Read Psalm 90:12-17

What makes you happy? Fast cars? A big house? Lot’s of retirement income? If these aren’t the kinds of things that bring lots of happiness, why do you strive so hard to attain just that little bit more all the time?

At the end of your life, will this rat race have brought you peace or a clean conscience? Any pride in wealth, property and glory doesn’t stack up very well in the end.

The psalm writer sees that wisdom lies in seeking the things from God that last eternally. God’s love is eternal and his promises remain. Instead of reaching for the stock market updates or the property lists, be filled with words of God’s sure promises to you. In this way, even if your life is miserable now, you can trust in God’s everlasting mercy and compassion.

Thankfully God’s anger doesn’t last. His promise of everlasting life to those who trust in him does. I’d swap a life filled with misery for that any day. Wouldn’t you?

Eternal God and Father, empty me of my desire for things that don’t last, and fill me with your mercy and compassion. Amen.

by Stuart Kleinig, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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