We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 102:18-28 Listen to Psalm 102:18-28 We saw yesterday that the psalmist was crying to God in desperation due to being afflicted in some way. He continues the second section of the psalm by turning to the future of Zion (verses 18-22). Despite the ruins he sees around him, he knows that God will restore Zion. The psalm was probably written after the return from the exile in Babylon. Jerusalem's walls are broken and the temple destroyed. Yet the psalmist looks to a future generation (verse 18), one which will see a restored Zion, and where all nations will gather to worship the Lord (verse 22). In the final section of the psalm (verses 23-28), the psalmist returns to the theme of his suffering, contrasting the brevity of his life with the length of years that God sees (verses 23-24). His prayer is that he will see the restored Jerusalem, putting aside present suffering for the hope of future glory. In the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews quotes verses 25-27 and applies it to Jesus (Hebrews 1:10-12). The people of God are now living stones in the restored temple of God (1 Peter 2:5), filled with the presence of God through his Holy Spirit. Peter calls on those who suffer now to put their trust in the faithful Creator (1 Peter 4:19). We are now citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, our hope is in a future glory (Hebrews 13:14). God keeps his promises through many generations (verse 28). Lord, thank you that you are with us in our suffering now. Thank you for the hope of future glory. Come Lord Jesus.