1“Lord, you have been our dwelling place
in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn us back to dust,
and say, “Turn back, you mortals.”
4 For a thousand years in your sight
are like yesterday when it is past,
or like a watch in the night.
5 You sweep them away; they are like a dream,
like grass that is renewed in the morning;
(Psalm 90:1-5)
Sunday, June 30, we reached the half way point. We are half way through reading the Bible in One Year. We have read through Torah, History, and a bit of Wisdom (Job). We look forward to the Old Testament Prophets, the Gospels, and the New Testament letters. While I have enjoyed this daily discipline, and have learned a lot, there are some mornings when I am ready for some Jesus.
This morning, as I read through Psalm 90, the psalmist’s words made me think of the hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” (ELW #632). So, I Googled it. Sure enough, Isaac Watts (1674-1748), wrote the words of the hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” based on the words of Psalm 90.
See if you can find some similarities between Psalm 90 (above) and the lyrics to “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” (below)
1 Our God, our Help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
our Shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal Home.
2 Under the shadow of your throne your saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is your arm alone, and our defense is sure.
3 Before the hills in order stood or earth received its frame,
from everlasting you are God, to endless years the same.
4 A thousand ages in your sight are like an ev’ning gone,
short as the watch that ends the night before the rising sun.
5 Time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears all our years away;
they fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the op’ning day.
6 Our God, our Help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
still be our Guide while troubles last, and our eternal home!
Take a listen to the King’s College Choir, Cambridge sing
“O God, Our Help in Ages Past”.