What does Psalm 90:15 mean?
What is the meaning of Psalm 90:15?

Make us glad

The prayer begins with “Make us glad,” a direct appeal for joy that only God can supply. Psalm 32:11 declares, “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous,” underscoring that gladness flows from the Lord Himself, not from changing circumstances. Jesus echoes this in John 16:24: “Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.”

Key takeaways:

• Gladness is a gift, not self-manufactured.

• Asking God for joy is encouraged throughout Scripture.

• Joy counters the sting of past sorrows and future fears.


for as many days

The phrase “for as many days” seeks proportional restoration—joy matching sorrow day for day. Psalm 30:5 affirms, “Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Isaiah 61:3 promises “a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair,” assuring us that God balances pain with praise.

Highlights:

• God notices the exact length of our trials.

• His comfort isn’t vague but measurable.

• Morning follows night by divine design.


as You have afflicted us

Moses acknowledges that the affliction ultimately came from God’s sovereign hand. Hebrews 12:6 reminds, “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves.” Psalm 119:71 adds, “It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.” Affliction, therefore, is purposeful discipline, not random cruelty.

Truths to remember:

• God’s discipline springs from love.

• Affliction produces spiritual growth.

• Because God gave the trial, He can also give relief.


for as many years

“Years” extends the request beyond isolated days to long seasons. Psalm 90:10 notes, “The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty if we are strong.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 comforts: “Our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory.” Moses asks God to redeem entire chapters of life, not merely moments.

Observations:

• God’s restoration can span decades.

• Long trials qualify for long consolations.

• Eternal glory outweighs temporal hardship.


as we have seen evil

The final clause, “as we have seen evil,” counts every dark experience—oppression in Egypt, wilderness wanderings, personal sin. Psalm 34:19 states, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” Romans 8:18 adds, “The present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.” Revelation 21:4 points to the day when God will “wipe away every tear.”

Implications:

• God notes every evil His people witness.

• Deliverance is comprehensive—not partial.

• Final restoration is certain and eternal.


summary

Psalm 90:15 is a faith-filled plea for God to match every day and year of affliction with equal or greater gladness. The verse acknowledges divine discipline yet confidently seeks proportional joy, assured by Scripture that God delights to turn mourning into dancing and to restore what suffering has stolen. Every sorrow counted by God is destined to be answered with His surpassing goodness.

How does Psalm 90:14 relate to the overall theme of God's eternal nature?
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