Psalms 90:15

“Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.”

1. Context: Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses, the man of God, and it is a prayerful reflection on the brevity and frailty of human life in contrast to the eternality and sovereignty of God. It emphasizes the need for divine wisdom and the recognition of God’s power and glory.

2. Affliction and Evil: In this verse, Moses acknowledges that the people of Israel have experienced affliction and have seen evil during their journey through the wilderness. The reference to affliction and evil may point to the hardships and trials they faced as a consequence of their rebellion and disobedience against God.

3. Request for Gladness: Moses prays for God’s intervention and asks Him to make His people glad. This plea indicates a desire for the Lord to bring joy and relief to the Israelites after their experiences of affliction and evil. It expresses their longing for a change in their circumstances and a restoration of joy and gladness.

4. Learning from Affliction: The phrase “according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us” suggests that Moses recognizes the potential for growth and transformation in times of hardship. He acknowledges that even in the midst of affliction, there are lessons to be learned and opportunities for spiritual growth. The experiences of affliction can shape and refine individuals, leading them to a deeper understanding of God’s ways and dependence on Him.

5. Trust in God’s Faithfulness: Although the psalm acknowledges the afflictions and evil that the people have seen, it also highlights the faithfulness of God throughout their journey. Even in the face of trials and tribulations, Moses affirms the unwavering character of God. By making this request for gladness, he demonstrates his confidence in God’s ability to turn their sorrow into joy and transform their experiences of affliction.

Application:

• – Recognizing the purpose of affliction: When we face trials and difficulties, it’s essential to remember that God can use those experiences to refine our character and draw us closer to Him. We can learn valuable lessons and develop greater trust and dependence on God through our struggles.
• – Praying for gladness: Like Moses, we can bring our burdens and sorrows before God, asking Him to bring joy and gladness into our lives. We can trust that God hears our prayers and is able to transform our circumstances, filling our hearts with His peace and joy.
• – Trusting in God’s faithfulness: Regardless of our circumstances, we can hold on to the faithfulness of God. He is with us in every season of life, and He is capable of turning our mourning into dancing. We can find hope and assurance in His unfailing love and steadfast character.