Psalms 90:14

O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Psalms 90:14 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses, the great leader of Israel. The psalm contrasts God’s eternal nature with the brevity and frailty of human life, acknowledging both God’s wrath against sin and His compassion toward His people.

Meaning

In verse 14, Moses prays that God would “satisfy us early with thy mercy.” The Hebrew word translated as “mercy” can also mean “unfailing love” or “steadfast love.” Moses asks for God’s loving presence to come promptly, bringing comfort and fulfilment.

True satisfaction, Moses understands, does not come from earthly possessions or achievements but from experiencing God’s steadfast love. By seeking God’s mercy, the people find a joy that lasts beyond fleeting moments.

The prayer that they may “rejoice and be glad all our days” reveals a desire for enduring gladness, not just momentary happiness. Such joy flows from a deep and abiding relationship with God, even amid life’s hardships.

Application

This verse teaches that lasting joy comes from being filled with God’s mercy, not from circumstances. The word “early” suggests a daily need for God’s mercy, as morning is a time of renewal and fresh mercies. Believers can pray for early, daily satisfaction in God’s love, leading to a life of rejoicing and gladness.

Reflection

The petition is communal, using “us” rather than “me,” reflecting the corporate nature of Israel’s relationship with God. This verse models how believers can pray for daily satisfaction in God’s love, not only for themselves but for their whole community.