In the reading of the Lectionary each week the psalm is read but rarely given much thought or consideration during the sermon. It's a shame, there is such richness and beauty in the psalms. This week's reading resonates with the timeless wisdom of God and speaks to the very essence of our transient existence. As Christians, we are called to live in the tension between the temporal and the eternal, finding solace and purpose in the ever-present arms of our loving Creator.
The psalmist opens with a profound meditation on the eternality of God, declaring, "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." I don't know about you, but I find comfort in this – that in the midst of life's fleeting moments, we have a constant refuge in the unchanging arms of our Creator. As Methodists, we understand the importance of this intimate relationship with God, a relationship that grounds us in the midst of life's uncertainties.
John Wesley, the founder of our Methodist movement, often spoke of the importance of personal piety and social holiness. In the spirit of Psalm 90, remember that our days on earth are but a breath, and the pursuit of holiness in both personal and communal life is our response to the eternal love that holds us.
Wesley taught us to seek a heart "strangely warmed" by God's grace, a warmth that sustains us in the face of life's trials. Verse 12 of Psalm 90 invites us to reflect on the brevity of life, urging us to "number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom." This is a call to intentional living, a reminder to invest our time and energy in pursuits that align with God's eternal purposes. In the Wesleyan tradition, we understand that true wisdom is found in the pursuit of holiness and the practice of mercy and justice.
As we navigate the complexities of our daily lives, turn to the Lord with open hearts, trusting that our Creator is intimately involved in our stories. Even in the face of challenges and uncertainties, we can take refuge in the everlasting arms of God. The United Methodist journey is not a solitary one – it is a shared pilgrimage of faith, marked by genuine community and the transformative power of God's grace.
My prayer is that we may be inspired by the closing words of Psalm 90, a prayer for God's favor and the assurance that the work of our hands may last beyond our days. May we continue to build the Realm of God here on earth, confident in the promise that even as the grass withers and the flowers fade, the Word of our Lord stands forever.
Let celebrate the eternal embrace of our Creator and live with purpose, love with abandon, and journey with hope.
Blessings and peace,
Pastor Rob