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Where Am I? What Do I Want?
by Pastor Alex Lindsay
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Reference: Psalm 90:1-2

Normally, when we think of location, we think of geographical areas - continents, nations, states, counties, cities, streets or roads, etc. People talk of "bucket lists" - places that you want to see and experience before you "kick the bucket" (i.e. die). All of this has its place as we live, and function, and experience the world in which we inhabit. But here, in this psalm, we have another, very important, aspect of looking at our location. God is the center focus of our existence (Acts 17:24-28). In Psalm 90:1, the Septuagint (Jewish translation of the Old Testament in Greek) says that The LORD is our "refuge" instead of saying that He is our "dwelling place" (cp. Psalm 46:1,7,11; 57:1; 59:16; 62:7-8; 71:7; 91:1-2,9-10; 94:22; 142:5). God is also described as a "rock" for our feet, a "strong tower," or "fortress" (Psalm 18:2,31,46; 27:5; 28:1; 31:1-3; 40:1-3; 61:1-3; 62:1-2,5-8; 71:3; 78:35; 91:1-2; 92:12-15; 94:22; 95:1; 144:1-2; Proverbs 18:10). These are metaphorical statements. Nevertheless, they express the reality that God is closer to us and more important to our existence than any physical place on earth.

So, when we state where we live, we often deal with questions like, "How do you like it there?", "What do you do there?", "How long have you lived there?", "How long do you plan to stay there?". Now, we are going to ask some questions that pertain to God being your dwelling place. Do you enjoy such a God as your dwelling place? Or would you like to relocate? Do you plan to stay dwelling with God forever? Is God your source of happiness, security, and productivity? Have you even thought about these kinds of things much? If the world, as a physical location, is your only focus, If the things of the world and the ways of the world are your only concern, then the next two statements may be something that you won't understand or be able to relate to.

"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry: hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner (foreigner, guest), as all my fathers were." - Psalm 39:12
"I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me." - Psalm 119:19

Psalm 90:3-11 cannot be detailed at this time. This part of the psalm deals with what it is like to be a sinner in a fallen world, before a holy God. It helps us understand why life is difficult and why we need God. The rest of the psalm leads us into the kind of things that we should be seeking from God, who is our dwelling place - the only one who really matters.

 

Psalm 90:12 - Ask God for daily wisdom.
No one can know how many days they will live (James 4:13-14). "To number our days" is to divide or make portions of each day. Each day should be handled with the wisdom of God and in devotion to God. See Psalm 119:1-2, 9-11, 33-35, 43-45, 57-60, 68, 73, 97, 105, 111-112, 129-133, 147-148, 162-165 (Psalm 119:164,62 cp. Psalm 55:17); Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 23:23.

 

Psalm 90:13-14 - Ask God for "early" mercy (i.e. "in the morning").
Seek His mercy soon - not "Save me later, after I've had my fun first!"). Let Him save your life and deliver you from sin's power now! Don't try to escape hell just before you die. See Ecclesiastes 12:1; Isaiah 55:6; II Corinthians 6:1-2; Hebrews 3:8 - 4:11.

 

Psalm 90:15 - Ask God for His joy to be your strength and delight.
If we do not celebrate our relationship with God, we cannot live the Christian life. Psalm 16:11; John 15:9-11; 16:33. The world is not giving out real joy (Psalm 31:19-21).

 

Psalm 90:16-17a - Ask God for transformation.
It is God's work that must make the difference in our lives (John 3:19-21; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:12-13). Our lives need to contain and reflect the glory and beauty of the Lord. See Psalm 29:2; 96:9; Romans 12:1-2; II Corinthians 3:18; 5:17; I Peter 4:12-19; 5:10; II Peter 1:2-4; 3:18.

 

Psalm 90:17b - Ask God for productive, fulfilling work.
We need real meaning to life. God truly makes our lives fruitful. The fruitfulness which comes from God is of lasting effect. See John 15:1-8, 16; Philippians 1:11; Colossians 1:3-13.

 

Conclusion: Since God is your true address in life, make yourself at home. Become part of the family. See John 14:1-3, 6, 15-20, 23.

Originally delivered June 30, 2024
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