Psalms 90:15

Psalms 90:15

Verse 15 continues the exchange of lament and blessing: “Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.” The psalmist asks God to measure joy by the seasons of hardship, allowing days of pain to be balanced by days of gladness according to God’s gracious economy. It acknowledges that life under the sun includes both affliction and relief, and asks God to redeem the painful seasons with proportionate joy. The phrase “according to the days” echoes the experiential justice of God’s rule: suffering is real, but so is comfort and restoration. The verse invites trust that God’s timing and sovereign care can reinterpret suffering and bring forth gladness that is not shallow but deepened through endurance.

Theologically, this verse centers God’s sovereignty over time and sorrow. It asserts that God can redeem and season our experiences so that the weight of affliction is not wasted. It balances lament with hopeful anticipation, reinforcing that God’s compassionate governance can transform mourning into joy, even if not immediately. It also aligns with biblical themes of endurance producing character and blessing, and with the idea of God’s faithful presence in the midst of pain.

In practical terms, when facing long seasons of difficulty (illness, grief, trials at work), hold onto the expectation that God can infuse joy into current pain. Create rituals that acknowledge past hardships while inviting future grace: write down lessons learned, document moments of grace, and share stories of resilience with others. Plan small joys—a weekly date night with a spouse or family, a hobby, or regular downtime—so you can experience gladness that grows over time. Reframe tasks that feel burdensome as opportunities to witness God’s faithfulness. The goal is a posture that trusts in God’s timing and libation of joy, not a denial of pain.

Cross-References: James 1:2-4; Psalm 126:3; Isaiah 61:3; 1 Peter 1:6-7