How does Psalm 90:17 connect with Proverbs 16:3 about committing work to God? Setting the Scene - Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses, the man of God, pleading for the Lord’s favor after reflecting on human frailty. - Proverbs 16 gathers Solomon’s wisdom on how plans succeed only under God’s sovereign hand. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands!” “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.” Both verses meet at the point where human activity and divine sovereignty intersect. Key Words That Tie the Verses Together - Commit (Proverbs 16:3): Hebrew גָּלַל (galal) — “roll, transfer, entrust.” Picture rolling a burden off yourself onto the Lord (Psalm 37:5). - Establish (Psalm 90:17): Hebrew כּוֹנֵן (kun) — “make firm, secure, cause to stand.” The prayer asks God to make what we do durable and fruitful. Commit = giving the project to God. Establish = God giving permanence and effectiveness to what was committed. Shared Theology in Three Points 1. Dependence: Both texts underscore that lasting success comes only when God acts (James 4:13-15). 2. Partnership: We work, yet God determines the outcome (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). 3. Purpose: The ultimate aim is God’s glory, not self-promotion (Colossians 3:23–24). Practical Flow: From Planning to Fruitfulness 1. Roll the plan onto the Lord (Proverbs 16:3). 2. Walk in obedience while trusting Him (Psalm 37:5-6). 3. Watch Him make it stand and bear fruit (Psalm 90:17; John 15:5). Living This Out - Begin each task by consciously handing it to God—out loud if necessary. - Align goals with scriptural priorities; if the goal contradicts Scripture, it cannot be “committed.” - Expect God to shape, redirect, or prune the plan (Proverbs 19:21). - Celebrate fruit that lasts instead of short-lived achievements (1 John 2:17). What “Established Work” Looks Like - Enduring impact that blesses others (Ephesians 2:10). - Results that remain after trials (1 Corinthians 3:13-14). - Inner peace because the outcome is in God’s hands (Isaiah 26:3-4). New Testament Echoes - “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) - “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17) - “We are God’s fellow workers.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) Takeaway Commit the work → God establishes the work. Psalm 90:17 provides the prayerful plea; Proverbs 16:3 supplies the practical instruction. Together they form a lifestyle: entrusting every endeavor to the Lord who alone can make it stand. |
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