“O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”
(Psalm 90:14)
This plea of the psalmist captures the heart of those who recognize their deep need for God’s presence and favor. It also reminds us that the satisfaction our souls long for can only be found in God’s mercy. This is why we should earnestly seek it in the early hours of every day we live.
The world entices us with promises of wealth, status, and comfort, preventing us from pursuing God with our whole hearts. And so the demands of everyday life—what we will eat, how we will live, what we will wear—end up taking precedence over the most important question: “What must I do to be saved?” This explains why many are unsure about their eternal destination, as the things of this world entangle them and prevent them from making the effort needed to strive for God.[1]
Jesus tells us to “strive to enter in at the strait gate” (Luke 13:24). But this striving is eclipsed by our concerns over worldly matters. We grind and toil for material things but show little care for the eternal condition of our souls. The result is a lack of assurance and a clouded vision of our eternal future because we have not prioritized the things of God.
We grieve the Holy Spirit when we focus our energies and efforts toward things of this world. God withdraws His comforting presence, and we are left wondering where we stand with Him. But for a true child of God, wandering in spiritual darkness is too heavy a burden. The uncertainty we feel when we neglect the diligent pursuit of God’s presence and favor causes us to lose assurance of His love. As result, our hearts grow restless and our peace fades.
When we experience such times, we ought to remember how essential it is to guard our hearts, to live humbly and watchfully, and to seek Him daily with renewed fervor. And the most comforting truth of all is that all the while our merciful God is waiting for us to return to Him. He invites us to strive earnestly, to wrestle in prayer, and to pursue Him with all our hearts so that we may once again experience the joy and gladness that come from His satisfying mercy.
Our call is therefore very clear—we are to strive earnestly to enter the straight gate, and take hold of God’s mercy, as nothing else can assure us of our place in His kingdom. We must labor in prayer for the assurance of His love. We must cry out as the psalmist did, “O satisfy us early with thy mercy,” never allowing ourselves to be content with a lukewarm regard for our salvation.
Contemplations:
- The Distraction of the World: The world constantly vies for my attention. I find myself wrapped up in the demands of life—attempting to provide for my needs, pursuing comfort, and seeking recognition. Yet, these pursuits often distract me from seeking God’s favor with the same intensity. Psalm 90:14 reminds me to seek God early, before the cares of life overwhelm me. I need to make room for God in my daily life, remembering that only He can truly satisfy my soul.
- Resting in the Covenant of Grace: I often fall into the trap of trying to earn God’s favor through my efforts. I strive to live a good life, to fulfill my duties, thinking that these things will secure my place in heaven. But I’m reminded that this approach only leads to fear and uncertainty. Romans 8:15 tells me that I have not received a spirit of bondage but a spirit of adoption, through which I cry out to God as Father. I must rest in His grace, knowing that it is through Christ alone that I am justified.
- Active Pursuit of Assurance: There have been times when I’ve waited passively for God to give me assurance of His love, expecting Him to act without my own effort. But as I reflect on Psalm 90:14, I see that seeking God’s assurance requires my active pursuit. I must pray earnestly, laboring in prayer, and striving to know Him more deeply. God’s mercy is available, but He calls me to seek it diligently, not with a lazy heart but with fervent desire.
- Chastisement and Spiritual Darkness: When I experience seasons of spiritual darkness, I sometimes forget that God may be chastising me for my neglect of His presence. Ephesians 4:30 warns me not to grieve the Holy Spirit. I realize that my spiritual negligence, my focus on worldly things, and my disobedience can drive away the comfort of His presence. Yet even in this darkness, God’s love remains. He uses these times to draw me back to Him, urging me to return with renewed passion for His mercy and grace.
Further References for Psalm 90:14:
Psalm 36:8; Psalm 85:6; Jer. 31:14; Psalm 145:19; Psalm 107:9
[1] Cotton Mather, Stimulator, Or, The Case of a Soul Walking in Darkness Awfully & Suitably Considered, (New-London Conn.: Printed and sold by T Green, 1724), 11.
