When it comes to the work that we do, it is common to ask the Lord to bless it. We ask for God’s favor and for things to go smoothly as we set about the tasks that have been set before us.
In Psalm 90:17, the Psalmist also asks for God’s blessings. However, the horizon of the Psalmist seems to be longer than what we usually consider. When we ask for the Lord’s favor, we seem focused on the ease with which we accomplish our work; the Psalmist asks that the work of the people be established – that it be set in place; made strong. Instead of only being focused on the ease and immediacy of the work, there is a sense in which the long-term impact appears to be in view.
When it comes to asking for God’s help in our work, whether we work primarily in an office, at home, in ministry or in some other field, may we also adopt a longer-term perspective. May we be quick to realize that accomplishing our to-do list is less important that having an eternal impact on other people. May we desire that our work be set in place, not easily diminished by the passing days. May our work be used by God to establish His presence in the lives of those around us; may we ask God to make our labor successful front the vantage point of Heaven.
