Psalm 90: A Prayer of Moses, man of God

The death column is never without names. It is said that the one thing certain about life is that we must leave it.

Being confronted with death personally, our mortality confronts us. We are out of our comfort zone when we stand by a casket being lowered in the ground, never to be part of our family/friend circle ever again this side of eternity.

Our lives are fleeting – the grass withers, trees lose leaves, age takes away our youth and vigour as we look in the mirror. Death is inevitable.

However, as Christians, we view death as not a period [or full stop] but a comma in the story of life. In Spring the flowers bloom and new life abounds. The grave is empty Easter morning. Jesus has risen. God has taken pity on us and given us everlasting life in Christ. Looking back and forward means: We are born to die, and we die to live.

Verse 12 of our psalm: Teach us to number our days draws us to reflect on our lives.

Our society is characterised by the denial of death. This is unusual as in past centuries people prepared for a good death and Psalm 90 was part of that preparation. We will learn to live well when we live wisely, knowing that our days on earth are numbered.

Prayer: Dear Lord, teach us to number our days as we look forward to dwelling with you in eternity. Amen.

Psalm 91: My Refuge, my Fortress

LHS 873: Safe in the shadow of the Lord

Where there is life, there is also death. Life is not smooth sailing as it can be also troubled and fearful.

How encouraging it is to know of God’s promises. Our security comes from the promises kept.

Jesus trampled Satan once and for all when he gloriously rose from the dead. Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? … But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54,55,57 NRSV

We walk in victory, even in dangerous times, because he is with us and will not let us be separated from his love.

In answer to demonic terrors of the night, God sends his angels to watch over his people. Satan used this psalm to tempt Jesus, but Jesus refuted him saying, “Do not put the Lord to the test”.

In Luther’s Morning and Evening Prayers are the words: Let your holy angel be with me, so that the evil one may have no power over me. Amen.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your security and strength in this perilous world. Amen.

About the Author

Jill Schefe

Jill is a Wimmera-ite growing up on a sheep and wheat farm. As a Lutheran deacon, Jill has been richly blessed supporting pastor husband Clarrie, mother to three adult children and six grandchildren. She was a recipient of the 2022 Servant of Christ award and has served on LWV and LWQ executives and various zone executives. Jill enjoys engaging Christ’s love with others. As formed in Christ, in retirement, Jill enjoys reading, Christian spirituality, music, gardening, travelling, and their recently sold farm, breeding cattle and horses. Jill is active in her local congregation as lay worker. She has a passion for an understanding of the Gospel in the life of everyday Christians.