Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. – Psalm 90:15

Today's Scripture Reading (December 15, 2021): Psalm 90

Classic film actor, Gregory Peck, argued that "Tough times don't last, tough people do, remember?" Tough times may not last, but we hope that they will at least toughen us a little if we have to go through them. But that probably depends on our reaction to tough times. Do we whine and complain when we face trouble, or do we stand tall and work through the difficult times, knowing that the tough times would pass in just a little while, and better times would be upon us? Our natural reaction to tough times is to endure them, just get through until better times come. But what if better times never come? What do we do then?

Moses understood that good times were not coming, not for many exiles. At the beginning of the Exodus, Israel's rebellion had cost the people the promise of entering into the land that God had promised to them. God had declared that the only adults who had left Egypt and would enter into the Promised Land were Joshua and Caleb. For the rest, the hope was no longer for them; it was for their children.

The wanderings in the desert were tough times. The people didn't have everything that they wished they had. They lived in tents without some of the comforts of life they may have had in Egypt. They became wanderers in the wilderness, a migrant people who transitioned from one place to another and from one bad situation to the next.

As a result of this struggle, Moses prays a strange prayer. God, make us glad in the days of our affliction. Fill us with joy for as many years of trouble as you will give us. It is not enough to just endure the hard times when hard times are all you will see. So, help us find joy during our struggle, and not just survive until the battle is over.

Every day that we are given is a gift from God. And often, the trouble seems to be unending, even if, in reality, better times are just around the corner. But rather than trying to endure our days of affliction, maybe our prayer should echo that of Moses. God, make us glad in our days of affliction and help us to flourish in our days of trouble. And if, like the Israelites during the days of Moses, affliction and trouble are all that we have left in this existence, may we make the most of every moment of our struggle with the help of God. And may we be strengthened and satisfied in our years of trouble.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Numbers 21