Psalms 90:15 – “Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.”
Psalm 90:15 is a prayer asking God to bring joy and restoration after a time of hardship and suffering. It reflects a longing for God’s blessing to balance out the difficult seasons of life. The verse acknowledges the reality of suffering while also expressing hope that God can bring gladness and joy even in the wake of those challenges.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, the Psalmist prays for God to bring gladness to His people in proportion to the hardships they have faced. This request reflects a deep understanding of life’s difficulties, as well as a hopeful expectation that God’s goodness can outweigh the suffering. The verse doesn’t ignore the pain of the past but instead acknowledges it while seeking restoration and joy from God. It’s a reminder that God’s presence and blessings can renew and lift us, even after prolonged seasons of struggle.
Historical Context
Psalm 90 is traditionally attributed to Moses, and it was likely written during the Israelites’ years of wandering in the wilderness. The Israelites had endured much hardship due to their own disobedience, facing judgment, scarcity, and the loss of those who had rebelled against God’s commands. Moses, who led them through these struggles, deeply understood both the suffering they had endured and the need for God’s healing. In this context, his prayer for gladness to match the affliction is a plea for God’s mercy and for a renewed sense of joy as the people moved forward.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Psalm 90:15 teaches us that God is aware of our struggles and that we can ask Him to bring us joy after hardship. It points to the truth that God’s ultimate plan is not to leave His people in suffering but to restore and bring them into a place of joy. This verse also demonstrates the hope of redemption — that God can bring beauty and purpose out of even the most difficult times. It’s a reminder that God’s grace and goodness are more than enough to heal our deepest wounds.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse is a parallel between affliction and joy. The phrase “for as many days as you have afflicted us” directly parallels “for as many years as we have seen trouble,” emphasizing the desire for a period of joy to balance the period of suffering. The use of the words “afflicted” and “trouble” acknowledges the reality of hardship but in a way that shows a longing for relief and renewal. The poetic repetition of “as many” adds a sense of balance, suggesting that just as hardship has been real, joy can also be real and substantial.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 61:7 – “Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.” This passage reflects the idea of God restoring joy and honor after hardship.
- Psalm 126:5-6 – “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” This emphasizes the promise that God can bring joy out of sorrow.
- Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” This verse reminds us that the glory and joy God has planned will far outweigh our hardships.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 90:15 serves as an encouragement to trust that God can restore joy even after seasons of hardship. In our lives, we face various kinds of challenges, losses, and disappointments, and this verse reminds us that these hardships are not the end of our story. We can pray for God to bring gladness and healing, confident that He hears and cares about our needs. This verse also invites us to view our trials with hope, trusting that God can redeem and transform even the most difficult times into something meaningful.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God is not indifferent to our pain. Asking God to make us “glad” after affliction reflects a belief in God’s kindness and compassion. God cares deeply about our joy and well-being, and His love includes both correction and comfort. While God allows hardship at times to shape and grow us, His heart is ultimately to see us healed and restored. This verse highlights that God desires to bring us into a place of peace and gladness, a reflection of His loving and redemptive nature.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Psalm 90:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the source of our true and lasting joy. Jesus endured suffering and hardship on our behalf so that we could experience the joy of salvation and the hope of eternal life. In John 16:20, Jesus tells His disciples, “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the power of sin and suffering, promising us a future where sorrow will be no more. In Revelation 21:4, we read, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” Jesus’ redemptive work assures us that every hardship will be transformed into joy in God’s presence.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you find hope in God’s promise to bring joy after seasons of hardship?
- In what areas of your life are you longing for God’s restoration and gladness?
- How does understanding God’s desire to heal and restore shape the way you view your struggles?
- How can you share the hope of God’s redemptive power with others who are going through difficult times?
- In what ways does the promise of joy in Jesus impact your perspective on present difficulties?
Psalm 90:15 is a reminder that even in the midst of suffering, we can look to God with hope. We can trust that He will bring joy, peace, and healing in His perfect timing. Through Jesus, we have the promise that our hardships are not in vain and that one day, our sorrow will be replaced with everlasting joy.