DEALING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT AND FAILURE

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:17 ESV)

Moses had just led the children of Israel out of Egypt and were about to enter into the promised land when an obstacle rose against them. According to a few people - the giants of the land were to big for them to defeat.

This prayer (Psalm 90) was penned by Moses as Israel just received their sentence to 40 years in the wilderness because of their failure and unbelief. Probably Moses penned this prayer to be daily used, either by the people in their tents, or, at lest, by the priests in the tabernacle-service, during their tedious fatigue in the wilderness. 

Psalm 90 highlights...

1. Moses comforts himself and his people with the eternity of God in the midst of their failure - (v. 1, 2). 

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:1, 2 ESV)

When facing disappointment in life we must also look to God who understands and sees the big picture of life.

2. Moses reminds the people of how frail they really are (v. 3-6). 

You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. (Psalm 90:3-6 ESV)

What a huge reminder to us - that we haven't arrived yet.  We still make mistakes and we still need to depend on God every day.

3. He submits himself and his people to the righteous sentence of God passed upon them (v. 7-11). 

For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? (Psalm 90:7-11 ESV)

We reap what we sow.  The consequences of sin are always high.  We must always consider how our sin will affect our lives and those around us.

4.  He commits himself and his people to God by prayer for divine mercy and grace, and the return of God's favor (v. 12-17). 

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord ! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:12-17 ESV)

In the midst of failure and mistakes - we can come to God for forgiveness and mercy and grace.  Always.  I'm always glad that God allows u-turns and always is but a prayer away.

Notice the prayer for "favor" in v.12.  This is the Hebrew No'Am - meaning "kindness, pleasantness, delightfulness, beauty, favor, delightfulness.

What was once harsh and disappointing will now be turned into "pleasantness, beauty, and favor."

This is a complete turnabout in regard to ciurcumstances.  Where once there was disappointment and failure - we now have God bringing "favor and blessing" upon the work of our hands.  It will be effortless.  It will be joyful.  What once went "against" you now comes "toward" you with great abundance and blessing.  God's favor is coming your way!