What is the meaning of Psalm 102:23?

He has broken my strength on the way

• “He” points to the LORD’s direct involvement; nothing random is happening (Job 1:21; Psalm 31:15).

• “Broken” tells of deliberate restraint, much like a vine pruned so it can bear better fruit (John 15:2; Psalm 119:71).

• “My strength” includes physical stamina, emotional resilience, and every presumed resource (Psalm 73:26; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

• “On the way” reminds us that this breaking occurs mid-journey, not at the finish line—God shapes us while we still walk through trials (Deuteronomy 8:2-3; Lamentations 3:27-33).

• Purpose behind the breaking:

– Exposes self-reliance and calls us to lean on His everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27).

– Refines faith so that endurance matures (James 1:2-4).

– Redirects our gaze from the transient to the eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

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He has cut short my days

• The psalmist feels life’s sand running out faster than expected—an ache echoed in Psalm 39:4-5 and Isaiah 38:10-12.

• Scripture affirms the LORD numbers every day before one begins (Psalm 139:16; Job 14:5). Nothing is stolen; every breath is scheduled.

• Perceived brevity presses us to:

– Treasure the present as a stewardship, not a guarantee (Ephesians 5:15-16; James 4:14).

– Long for the permanence found only in God, who “remains forever” (Psalm 102:27; Hebrews 13:8).

– Cling to the promise that, though earthly days may be few, eternal life in Christ is endless (John 11:25-26; 1 Peter 1:3-5).

• Even when days seem clipped, God’s larger story is unfolding: through weakness and brevity He displays His power and eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 1:20).

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summary

Psalm 102:23 captures a believer’s moment of frailty—strength shattered mid-journey and lifespan feeling abbreviated. Yet behind both experiences stands the purposeful hand of the LORD. He breaks strength to replace self-reliance with trust, and He limits days to lift our hopes beyond time. What feels like loss becomes gain when seen through the lens of His eternal, unfailing care.