Psalm 90:17 CSB Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish for us the work of our hands—establish the work of our hands!

[02/15/2025 IPhone 14 Pro Max] 

My first impression of Prague was nothing like I expected. Days before the trip, I checked the weather, clear skies, sunny but with chilly temperatures in the 30’s (F). Similar to England at the time. Cold, but manageable. But the moment our plane touched down at Prague Airport, I looked out the window and couldn’t believe my eyes—it was snowing. 

Let’s just say I did NOT pack accordingly LOL. A hoodie and jeans? One puffer? Probably not my best travel decision. But that wasn’t going to stop me. Firstly, because I had already landed, so I really had no choice, but I had also envisioned exploring Prague on foot, taking in the architecture, the atmosphere, and the history—and despite the freezing temperatures, I imagined I would warm up with all the walking. 

As if the unexpected snow wasn’t enough of a surprise, my next shock came at the Marriott Hotel (though a good one), where I was graciously upgraded to the highest floor of the building. My room was unreal—modern luxury with an incredible view of the city. But I barely had time to take it all in. As soon as I dropped my backpack, I was out the door, ready to take on city. (Thankfully, it didn’t snow the entire time I was there.)

The Architecture of Prague & the Work of Human Hands 

Stepping into Prague felt like stepping into a storybook. The Gothic spires, winding cobblestone streets, and centuries-old buildings stood as a testament to time, craftsmanship, and history. I had expected a beautiful city, but what I didn’t expect was how much its artistry would make me reflect on the idea of creating something lasting. I probably stared at Prague Castle for a solid 30 minutes. 

Psalm 90:17

“Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish for us the work of our hands—establish the work of our hands!” 

• Psalm 90 is actually the oldest Psalm, written by Moses. 

• It reflects on the shortness of human life compared to God’s eternal nature. 

• The chapter acknowledges that our lives and efforts are fleeting, but when God’s favor is upon us, our work has lasting meaning and impact. 

• V 17 is a prayer asking for God’s blessing over what we create and build, that our work wouldn’t be in vain, but would stand the test of time. 

This verse took on a new meaning as I stood beneath the breathtaking landmarks. These buildings, these streets—they weren’t just functional, they were created with excellence. Yet, even the most incredible human craftsmanship is temporary. What truly makes something endure is God’s favor upon it. 

• Just like the builders of these structures, we all long for our work to be meaningful and lasting.  

• This verse ties into the idea that beauty, excellence, and craftsmanship matter—but what truly makes something last is God’s favor over it. 

The Legacy of Our Work 
Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses, a reminder that our time on earth is fleeting, but God’s work is eternal. Spoiler alert, everything we see today will eventually fade. Yet, what we create—when done with purpose and intention—can leave a lasting impact. A buddy of mine once said in a song of his “I am alive in everything I touch, nothing dies, it lives in what we’ve done.” – Shane Told 

In the same way, the things we build in our own lives—our careers, passions, and creative pursuits, whatever it may be—only holds true, lasting value when they are aligned with God’s purpose. It’s not just about leaving behind something impressive, but about creating something that carries meaning beyond ourselves. When our work is done under God’s favor, it doesn’t just exist—it endures. 

Personal Takeaway 

Seeing the craftsmanship of Prague made me think about my own life. The architects and builders who designed these landmarks centuries ago had no idea that millions of people would one day travel from all over the world to admire their work. It made me reflect: What am I building today that will matter tomorrow? Am I pursuing excellence in the work God has placed in my hands? Whether it’s in creative pursuits, careers, or relationships, I want to be intentional about seeking God’s favor and ensuring that my efforts leave a meaningful mark. 

Closing  

My time in the Czech Republic reminded me that excellence and creativity are reflections of God’s nature. Yet, even the most incredible structures will one day fade. What truly lasts is what is done for God and under His favor. Whether you’re building a career, a family, or simply working on personal growth—my prayer is that Psalm 90:17 will remind us to seek first the Kingdom of God and have God’s blessing over our work. I encourage everyone to seek excellence in their work, knowing that God can establish it for a greater purpose. 

What is something you are working on today that you hope will have a lasting impact?

What does this mean for our personal lives?  

How can we make sure our work, creativity, and passions have meaning beyond just today? 

Please share in the comments! 

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