What does Psalm 90:17 teach about the importance of God's approval in work? Setting the Verse in Context - Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses, highlighting human frailty against God’s eternal nature. - Verse 17 closes the psalm with a plea: “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; establish for us the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands!”. - The repeated request to “establish” underscores dependence on God for permanence and significance. Key Phrase Breakdown - “Favor of the Lord our God” • God’s smile, approval, delight. • Without it, efforts remain transient (cf. Psalm 127:1). - “Establish the work of our hands” • To make firm, enduring, lasting. • Implies that even diligent labor needs divine anchoring to count for eternity. Why God’s Approval Matters - Gives lasting value • Proverbs 16:3: “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.” - Protects from vanity • Ecclesiastes 2:11 contrasts labor done “under the sun” with work sanctioned by God. - Aligns motives • Colossians 3:23–24: working “for the Lord, not for men” draws His commendation. - Provides power and fruitfulness • John 15:5: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Divine favor infuses work with spiritual fruit. How to Seek God’s Favor in Our Work - Begin with submission • James 4:15: “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” - Pursue righteousness • Proverbs 12:2: “A good man obtains favor from the LORD.” - Pray specifically over tasks • Following Moses’ example, ask God to “establish” each project, meeting, or plan. - Serve with integrity and excellence • Colossians 3:17: do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” - Remain dependent, not self-reliant • Psalm 90:17 repeats the plea, reminding that dependence is continual, not one-time. Living it Out Today - Regularly dedicate projects at the outset, inviting God’s guidance. - Evaluate success not merely by results but by faithfulness and obedience. - Celebrate outcomes with gratitude, recognizing God’s hand behind every lasting achievement. - Stay humble: any fruit that endures eternally is proof of His establishing work, not personal brilliance. |
    |