EGW WritingsPsalms 90

The Minnesota Worker

March 14, 1900

MinnWorker March 14, 1900, par. 5

The Spirit of God says in Psalm 27, 28, 29, 81, 89, 90, 91, 92 and 93: “These were written for those upon whom the ends of the world are come.” This being so, we should make them our every day study. Why not preserve this number of the worker, and read the above over and over again, and study the heavens?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 96, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 96, 1899, par. 22

The eighty-first psalm explains why Israel was scattered. They forgot God, as the churches in our land are forgetting Him today. Read the eighty-ninth, ninetieth, ninety-first, ninety-second, and ninety-third psalms. My attention has been called to these matters. Shall we not consider the word of the Lord? These things were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come, and should they not be the objects of study in our schools? The Word of God contains instructive lessons, given in reproof, in warning, in encouragement, and in rich promises. Would not such food as this be meat in due season to the youth?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 47, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 47, 1909, par. 12

Read Psalms 71, 72, 73, and 78. Let the words become familiar to your minds, also Psalm 90-93, and 103 and 104.

Our High Calling

God’s Great Reservoirs, September 4

OHC 253.1

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psalm 90:2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 127, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 127, 1897, par. 8

When will Christians know and have a better understanding of God? God says, “I AM THAT I AM,” the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity. [Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 57:15.] “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” [Psalm 90:2.] “I am the Lord, I change not.” [Malachi 3:6.] With Him is no variableness neither shadow of turning.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 265, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 265, 1903, par. 18

“Make the Word of God the man of your counsel. It will be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. Study the Word to see what God has revealed in regard to who He is. He is ‘the Almighty,’ ‘from everlasting to everlasting,’ an unerring Guide. [Psalm 90:2.] Upon whom else would you venture to depend in times of difficulty? What folly could be greater than to set aside the wisdom of God and accept the wisdom of him who fell from his exalted position in heaven as a covering cherub and who has become the head of an apostate race? Will you unite with the archdeceiver? Will you receive his deceptive falsehoods? Shall it continue to be said of you, ‘Thou art weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, and art found wanting’?” [Daniel 5:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 124, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 124, 1903, par. 25

God cannot be understood by men. His ways and works are past finding out. In regard to the revelations that He has made of Himself in His Word we may talk. But other than this, let us say of Him, “Thou art God, and Thy ways are past finding out.” [See Psalm 90:2; Romans 11:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 132, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 132, 1903, par. 35

“And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there stood over against him, with his sword drawn in his hand; and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto His servant? And the captain of the Lord’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoes from off thy feet; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.” [Joshua 5:13-15.] God always has been. He is the great I AM. The psalmist declares, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting Thou art God.” [Psalm 90:2.] He is the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity. “I am the Lord, I change not,” He declares. [Isaiah 57:15; Malachi 3:6.] With Him there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. He is “the same yesterday, today, and forever.” [James 1:17; Hebrews 13:8.] He is infinite and omnipresent. No words of ours can describe His greatness and majesty.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 232, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 232, 1903, par. 49

God is never to be understood by any human being. His ways and His works are past finding out. In regard to the revelations that He has made of Himself in His Word, we may talk. But when it comes to talking or writing of God’s person and presence, let us say, “Thou art God, and Thy ways are past finding out.” [Psalm 90:2; Romans 11:33.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Commander of the Heavenly Intelligences, February 11

JNN 50.5

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God” (Psalm 90:2). “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Matthew 4:16). Here the pre-existence of Christ and the purpose of His manifestation to our world are presented as living beams of light from the eternal throne. “... But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:1, 2).—Selected Messages 1:247, 248.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 34—The Word Made Flesh

1SM 248.2

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God” (Psalm 90:2). “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Matthew 4:16). Here the pre-existence of Christ and the purpose of His manifestation to our world are presented as living beams of light from the eternal throne. “Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:1, 2).

The Faith I Live By

Faithful and True, February 5

FLB 42.3

God always has been. He is the great I AM. The psalmist declares, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” Psalm 90:2. He is the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity. “I am the Lord, I change not,” He declares. With Him there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. He is “the same yesterday, and to day and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8. He is infinite and omnipresent. No words of ours can describe His greatness and majesty.20Medical Ministry, 92.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 28—Facing Life’s Record

GC 479.2

Thus was presented to the prophet’s vision the great and solemn day when the characters and the lives of men should pass in review before the Judge of all the earth, and to every man should be rendered “according to his works.” The Ancient of Days is God the Father. Says the psalmist: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.” Psalm 90:2. It is He, the source of all being, and the fountain of all law, that is to preside in the judgment. And holy angels as ministers and witnesses, in number “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,” attend this great tribunal.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 28—The Investigative Judgment

GC88 479.2

Thus was presented to the prophet’s vision the great and solemn day when the characters and the lives of men should pass in review before the Judge of all the earth, and to every man should be rendered “according to his works.” The Ancient of days is God the Father. Says the psalmist, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” [Psalm 90:2.] It is he, the source of all being, and the fountain of all law, that is to preside in the Judgment. And holy angels, as ministers and witnesses, in number “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,” attend this great tribunal.

The Upward Look

The Great I Am, November 8

UL 326.1

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psalm 90:2.

Christ in His Sanctuary

Chapter 9 - Christ’s Closing Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary

CIHS 172.1

Thus was presented to the prophet’s vision the great and solemn day when the characters and the lives of men should pass in review before the Judge of all the earth, and to every man should be rendered “according to his works.” The Ancient of Days is God the Father. Says the psalmist: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.” Psalm 90:2. It is He, the source of all being, and the fountain of all law, that is to preside in the judgment. And holy angels as ministers and witnesses, in number “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,” attend this great tribunal.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 24, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 24, 1891, par. 53

“Canst thou by searching find out God?” [Job 11:7.] “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” [Genesis 1:1.] The Lord existed before He purposed to create the world. He is “from everlasting.” “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.” [Psalm 90:2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 180, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 180, 1897, par. 2

I say in the name of the Lord, Give your attention to this Word. The Lord has ever existed in perfection from all eternity. He has been ever what He now is, “I am that I am;” “The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity.” [Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 57:15.] This is His title. “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” Psalm 90:2. “I am the Lord, I change not.” Malachi 3:6. With Him is no variableness or shadow of turning.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 137, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 137, 1903, par. 6

“Who knoweth the power of Thine anger? Even according to Thy fear, so is Thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Return, O Lord, how long; and let it repent Thee concerning Thy servants. O satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein Thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands, establish Thou it.” [Psalm 90:2-17.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

“The Everlasting God”

8T 270.3

“Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.
Thou turnest man to dust,
And sayest, Return, ye children of men.
For a thousand years in Thy sight
Are but as yesterday when it is past,
And as a watch in the night.
Thou carriest them away as with a flood;
They are as a sleep:
In the morning they are like grass which groweth up.
In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up;
In the evening it is cut down, and withereth.” Psalm 90:2-6, A. R. V., margin.

8T 271.1

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us:
And establish Thou the work of our hands upon us;
Yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it.” Psalm 90:12, 14-17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 43, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 43, 1892, par. 18

Then will every soul remember the words of the Lord: Thou hast my secret sins in the light of Thy countenance. [Psalm 90:8.] Many need to make a decided change in the tenor of their thoughts and actions if they would please Jesus. We can seldom see our sins in the grievous light that God can. Many have habituated themselves to pursue a course of sin, and their hearts harden, under the influence of the power of Satan. And their thoughts are brought into captivity to his evil influences; but when in the strength and grace of God they place their minds against the temptations of Satan, their minds are made clear, their hearts and consciences by being influenced by the Spirit of God are made sensitive, and then sin appears as it is—exceedingly sinful. Then is the time when the secret sins are set in the light of their countenance. They confess their sins to God, and repent of them and become ashamed of sin.

The Retirement Years

Helpful Bible Texts for Seniors

RY 186.5

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.—Psalm 90:10, 12.

Our High Calling

Happy New Year! January 1

OHC 7.1

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12.

The Faith I Live By

Time a Precious Talent, June 1

FLB 158.1

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12.

To Be Like Jesus

Though We Fall, We Can Conquer, November 1

BLJ 322.1

Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days! Psalm 90:14, NKJV.

Radiant Religion

He Is Merciful, January 22

RRe 24.1

O satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14.

Radiant Religion

God Permits Affliction, April 13

RRe 105.1

Make us glad according to the days wherein Thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Psalm 90:15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 65, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 65, 1905, par. 5

Let the youth from our schools go forth into the harvest field to do service for the Lord, praying as they go, “Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands” and our hearts “establish Thou it.” [Psalm 90:16, 17.]

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

The Bible Teacher

CT 431.3

Early in their experience our students should be taught to become Bible workers. Those who are consecrated and teachable may have success in active service for Christ while pursuing their courses of study. If they spend much time in prayer, if they humbly take counsel from their instructors, they will grow in a knowledge of how to work for souls. And when they go forth into the great harvest field they may with confidence pray, “Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it.” Psalm 90:17.

Reflecting Christ

Our Glorious Destiny, December 29

RC 377.2

Through the gospel, souls that are degraded and enslaved by Satan are to be redeemed to share the glorious liberty of the sons of God. God’s purpose is not merely to deliver from the suffering that is the inevitable result of sin, but to save from sin itself. The soul, corrupted and deformed, is to be purified, transformed, that it may be clothed in “the beauty of the Lord our God,” “conformed to the image of his Son.” “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (Psalm 90:17; Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 2:9). Eternity alone can reveal the glorious destiny to which man, restored to God’s image, may attain.

Sons and Daughters of God

True Beauty, June 26

SD 184.1

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. Psalm 90:17.

That I May Know Him

Let God Manage You, July 31

TMK 218.1

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. Psalm 90:17.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“If thy right hand causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee.”—Matthew 5:30, R. V.

MB 60.3

Through the gospel, souls that are degraded and enslaved by Satan are to be redeemed to share the glorious liberty of the sons of God. God’s purpose is not merely to deliver from the suffering that is the inevitable result of sin, but to save from sin itself. The soul, corrupted and deformed, is to be purified, transformed, that it may be clothed in “the beauty of the Lord our God,” “conformed to the image of His Son.” “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” Psalm 90:17; Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 2:9. Eternity alone can reveal the glorious destiny to which man, restored to God’s image, may attain.

To Be Like Jesus

We Should Give Hope to the Fallen, July 28

BLJ 222.6

In every human being He discerned infinite possibilities. He saw men and women as they might be, transfigured by His grace—in “the beauty of the Lord our God” (Psalm 90:17). Looking upon them with hope, He inspired hope. Meeting them with confidence, He inspired trust.... In many a heart that seemed dead to all things holy were awakened new impulses. To many a despairing one there opened the possibility of a new life.—Education, 79, 80.

The Publishing Ministry

Chapter 24—Teaching Literature Evangelism

PM 267.3

In every human being he discerned infinite possibilities. He saw men as they might be, transfigured by His grace—in “the beauty of the Lord our God.” Psalm 90:17. Looking upon them with hope, He inspired hope. Meeting them with confidence, he inspired trust. Revealing in Himself man’s true ideal, He awakened, for its attainment, both desire and faith. In His presence souls despised and fallen realized that they still were men, and they longed to prove themselves worthy of His regard. In many a heart that seemed dead to all things holy, were awakened new impulses. To many a despairing one there opened the possibility of a new life.

The Watchman

February 11, 1908

SW February 11, 1908, par. 4

In every human being he discerned infinite possibilities. He saw men as they might be, transfigured by his grace—in “the beauty of the Lord our God.” Psalm 90:17. Looking upon them with hope, he inspired hope. Meeting them with confidence, he inspired trust. Revealing in himself man’s true ideal, he awakened, for its attainment, both desire and faith. In his presence souls despised and fallen realized that they still were men, and they longed to prove themselves worthy of his regard. In many a heart that seemed dead to all things holy were awakened new impulses. To many a despairing one there opened the possibility of a new life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 19, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 19, 1905, par. 9

Now is the time for us to work righteousness. Just now let the beauty of the Lord our God shine forth from the lives of His true, faithful workers. God says, “Thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty; for it was perfect through My comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord.” [Ezekiel 16:14.] Let us pray daily, “Establish Thou the work of my hands.” [Psalm 90:17.]

Education

Chapter 8—The Teacher Sent From God

Ed 80.1

In every human being He discerned infinite possibilities. He saw men as they might be, transfigured by His grace—in “the beauty of the Lord our God.” Psalm 90:17. Looking upon them with hope, He inspired hope. Meeting them with confidence, He inspired trust. Revealing in Himself man’s true ideal, He awakened, for its attainment, both desire and faith. In His presence souls despised and fallen realized that they still were men, and they longed to prove themselves worthy of His regard. In many a heart that seemed dead to all things holy, were awakened new impulses. To many a despairing one there opened the possibility of a new life.

God’s Amazing Grace

Heart Renewal, August 3

AG 223.3

In every human being He discerned infinite possibilities. He saw men as they might be, transfigured by His grace—in “the beauty of the Lord our God” (Psalm 90:17).6Education, 79, 80.

God’s Amazing Grace

Eden Restored, December 18

AG 360.5

Restored to the tree of life in the long-lost Eden, the redeemed will “grow up” to the full stature of the race in its primeval glory. The last lingering traces of the curse of sin will be removed, and Christ’s faithful ones will appear in “the beauty of the Lord our God” (Psalm 90:17), in mind and soul and body reflecting the perfect image of their Lord. Oh, wonderful redemption! long talked of, long hoped for, contemplated with eager anticipation, but never fully understood.31The Great Controversy, 645.

God’s Amazing Grace

Heaven’s School, December 23

AG 365.4

There, when the veil that darkens our vision shall be removed, and our eyes shall behold that world of beauty of which we now catch glimpses through the microscope; when we look on the glories of the heavens, now scanned afar through the telescope; when, the blight of sin removed, the whole earth shall appear in “the beauty of the Lord our God” (Psalm 90:17), what a field will be open to our study! There the student of science may read the records of creation and discern no reminders of the law of evil. He may listen to the music of nature’s voices, and detect no note of wailing or undertone of sorrow. In all created things he may trace one handwriting—in the vast universe behold “God’s name writ large,” and not in earth or sea or sky one sign of ill remaining.44Education, 301-303.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1

Chapter 21—Christ Deals With Minds

1MCP 183.3

Infinite Possibilities in Every Human Being—In every human being He discerned infinite possibilities. He saw men as they might be, transfigured by His grace—in “the beauty of the Lord our God” (Psalm 90:17). Looking upon them with hope, He inspired hope, Meeting them with confidence, He inspired trust. Revealing in Himself man’s true ideal, He awakened, for its attainment, both desire and faith. In His presence souls despised and fallen realized that they still were men, and they longed to prove themselves worthy of His regard. In many a heart that seemed dead to all things holy were awakened new impulses. To many a despairing one there opened the possibility of a new life.—Education, 80 (1903).

My Life Today

God Loves Most a Beautiful Character, September 23

ML 270.1

Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. Psalm 90:17.

Our Father Cares

What God Loves Most Is a Beautiful Character, February 19

OFC 61.1

Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. Psalm 90:17.

Reflecting Christ

Laying Hold of the Mighty One of Heaven, June 4

RC 169.1

Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Psalm 90:17.