Psalm 90 was a poem that reflected on how fragile and temporary our human life seems (cf. Psalm 90:3-6). In and of itself, that can be a deeply depressing reality, making life and work seem pointless. But the perspective of this hopeful Israelite hymn stretched well beyond the
boundaries of this life. Its final prayer focused on our eternal God, and asked God to make our work have such positive impact that it would last, not just for a few years but for eternity.

• Human arrogance wants our accomplishments to be permanent. Hitler spoke of a 1,000 year Reich, but it lasted barely a decade. The Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, given a vision in which a number of kingdoms succeeded his, defiantly built an all-gold image to claim his kingdom would last forever (cf. Daniel 2-3). But many Israelites lived to see mighty Babylon fall. List the most important types of “work” (paid or unpaid) you are doing. Then, over that work, pray the prayer of Psalm 90:17, asking God to do what you cannot do—to make the impact of your work truly lasting for all eternity.