What does "make us glad" in Psalm 90:15 reveal about God's character? Setting the Scene in Psalm 90 • Moses looks back on Israel’s wilderness years, acknowledging God’s eternity and Israel’s frailty (vv. 1-12). • He owns the reality that their trials were God’s righteous discipline (vv. 7-11). • The prayer turns in vv. 13-17, asking God to reverse their sorrow with His favor and joy. Verse 15 becomes the heart cry: “Make us glad for as many days as You have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen evil.” — Psalm 90:15 God’s Character Behind “Make Us Glad” • God is the ultimate Source of joy – Joy is not self-generated; it is requested from Him. – Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” • God invites confident petition – Moses does not beg timidly; he expects God’s heart to respond. – Hebrews 4:16 echoes this privilege: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…” • God balances discipline with restoration – He afflicts for correction, never for cruelty (Psalm 119:75). – Isaiah 54:7-8 shows the same rhythm: brief discipline, enduring compassion. • God’s mercy is proportionate—and even generous – The plea is for equal “days” and “years,” yet Scripture often shows God giving more joy than sorrow (Isaiah 61:7; Job 42:10). – Psalm 30:5: “Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” • God values wholeness, not mere survival – “Make us glad” seeks inner delight, not just relief from pain. – John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” Takeaways for Today • Affliction is never God’s final word; He stands ready to replace it with gladness. • Asking for joy honors His compassionate nature. • Expect His ability to restore what discipline has cost—He delights to turn mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11-12). |
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