Psalm 90

Jun 1, 2025    Pastor Rev. Craig T. Smith

1. Further Devotional Thoughts


A. Facing Reality with Faith

Psalm 90 does not allow us to sugarcoat life. It holds up the mirror to our mortality, our sin, and our suffering. Yet it does this not to lead us to despair, but to deepen our hope. Moses invites us to take our numbered days seriously—not to live in fear but to live with wisdom.


B. The Comfort of God's Eternity

Moses begins the psalm by reminding us that God is eternal — "from everlasting to everlasting." When our lives feel like grass that withers, this eternal God becomes our refuge. Real hope is rooted not in the illusion of control, but in the character of an unchanging God.


C. Grace in Lament

Lamenting sin, decay, and judgment is not a lack of faith — it is a biblical practice. Moses shows us how to grieve honestly and yet appeal to God's steadfast love. In our lament, we can discover God's mercy.


D. Gospel Anchored Hope

Moses’ sobering reflections find resolution in Christ. Jesus bore the wrath we deserve. While death is still a reality, it is now a defeated enemy. Every sorrow and ache in this life becomes a signpost to the hope of resurrection and eternal joy.



2. Discussion Questions

For Adults & Small Groups:

What part of Psalm 90 stood out to you most, and why?

How does numbering our days help us grow in wisdom?

Moses reflects on God's anger and our mortality. How do we reconcile this with the hope we have in Christ?

What role does lament play in your spiritual life? Do you tend to avoid sorrow or embrace it as part of growing hope?

How does your current use of time reflect eternal priorities?

What does it mean to be satisfied with God's steadfast love (v. 14) in the midst of hardship?


For Families:

What are some ways our family can “number our days” together?

How can we talk more honestly about pain, death, and hope with our children?

What does our family spend time on that might not reflect eternal values?



3. Daily Devotionals for Adults (Mon–Sat)

Monday – Psalm 90:1-2

Focus: God's Eternal Nature

Reflection: Our lives are fleeting, but God is our dwelling place from generation to generation. Begin this week by grounding yourself in His unchanging presence.


Tuesday – Psalm 90:3-6

Focus: Human Frailty

Reflection: “You return man to dust.” Life is short and fragile. Are you living today with eternity in mind?


Wednesday – Psalm 90:7-11

Focus: Sin and Judgment

Reflection: Even our secret sins are known to God. This is not a threat, but a call to walk in the light and receive grace through Christ.


Thursday – Psalm 90:12

Focus: Wisdom from Mortality

Reflection: Ask God to teach you to number your days. Are there things you need to stop doing? Things you need to start?


Friday – Psalm 90:13-15

Focus: God's Mercy

Reflection: Moses asks God to “relent.” This is a gospel-shaped plea. Bring your sorrows to Him. His mercy is fresh every morning.


Saturday – Psalm 90:16-17

Focus: Legacy of Faith

Reflection: Pray that God would establish the work of your hands — not for your fame, but to leave a legacy of hope and wisdom for others.



4. Kids’ Devotionals with Activities (Mon–Sat)

Each day includes a simple summary, prayer, and a hands-on activity.


Monday – God Always Was (Psalm 90:1-2)

Big Idea: God has always been there, even before the world!

Prayer: “Thank you, God, for always being there for us.”

Activity: Make a timeline of your life (birth to now). Then add: “God was here before it all!”


Tuesday – Life Is Like a Flower (Psalm 90:3-6)

Big Idea: Life is short, like flowers that bloom and fade.

Prayer: “Help me enjoy every day You give me.”

Activity: Pick a flower and watch it for a day — talk about how quickly it changes.


Wednesday – God Sees All (Psalm 90:7-11)

Big Idea: God knows everything, even our secret thoughts.

Prayer: “Jesus, thank You for forgiving my sins.”

Activity: Play a hiding game. Then talk about how nothing can hide from God — but He still loves us.


Thursday – Teach Me to Use My Time Wisely (Psalm 90:12)

Big Idea: We can learn to use our time for good things.

Prayer: “Teach me to make wise choices every day.”

Activity: Make a “Time Pie” — draw a circle and divide it into how you spend your day (play, sleep, eat, pray,

help).


Friday – Ask God for Joy (Psalm 90:13-15)

Big Idea: Even when we’re sad, we can ask God for joy.

Prayer: “God, help me feel joy today even if I’m sad.”

Activity: Draw a smiley face and write/draw things that make you smile. Say thank you to God for them!


Saturday – Let God Use You (Psalm 90:16-17)

Big Idea: God can use us to do good things!

Prayer: “Use my hands and heart to help others today.”

Activity: Do a kind act today — help clean up, draw a card for someone, or say kind words.



5. Youth Devotionals (Mon–Sat)

Designed for middle/high school students — practical, honest, and gospel-centered.


Monday – "God Is Home" (Psalm 90:1-2)

Thought: Everything changes, but God never does. Where do you run when life gets confusing?

Challenge: Write down one way God has been a “home” for you.


Tuesday – "Life Moves Fast" (Psalm 90:3-6)

Thought: You're not invincible. Time flies. Are you wasting or investing it?

Challenge: Take 5 minutes to journal about how you’re spending your time this week.


Wednesday – "Facing What’s Inside" (Psalm 90:7-11)

Thought: God sees our “secret sins.” But He also offers forgiveness.

Challenge: Confess one thing to God today that you’ve been hiding or avoiding.


Thursday – "Number Your Days" (Psalm 90:12)

Thought: Life’s short. What will your legacy be?

Challenge: Set one goal today that reflects eternal values (e.g., encouraging someone, praying for a friend).


Friday – "The Joy Comes" (Psalm 90:13-15)

Thought: Sadness is real. So is joy — because Jesus is real.

Challenge: Text or message someone who needs joy today and remind them of God’s love.


Saturday – "Make It Count" (Psalm 90:16-17)

Thought: God can use your life, even now, for something lasting.

Challenge: Ask God in prayer, “How can I make this weekend count for Your glory?”