Chapter 533 of 1163

PSALM 102

God enjoys endless years, but we endure shortened days (vv. 23–24), troubled days (v. 2), days that disappear like smoke, grass, and a shadow (vv. 3, 4, 11). We sit alone like birds in a desert and dying patients in a hospital (vv. 5–9). How depressing!

Do you ever have days like that? If you do, beware. Looking at yourself and your feelings will only make things worse. Do what the writer of this penitential psalm did: look by faith to the Lord. Things will be different when you look from yourself to God and say, “But You.”

“But You shall endure” (12–22). If you know Jesus Christ by faith, you possess eternal life (1 John 5:11–13). So, living in a world of death and decay need not be a threat to you because you will live forever with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:13–18).

“But You are the same” (25–28). As you grow older, you may find yourself resisting change. Loved ones move away or die, your body weakens, the world changes, and it is easy to become bitter and afraid. But God does not change (Heb. 13:5–8), and He is your Friend and Guide to the very end (Ps. 73:24).

The temporary things will change, but the things eternal will last (2 Cor. 4:11–18).

“Abide with Me”

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;

Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;

Change and decay in all around I see;

O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;

Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.

Where is death’s sting? where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Henry Francis Lyte

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