Psalm 73

Psalm 73
The Tragedy of the Wicked, and the Blessedness of Trust in God
A Psalm of Asaph, Truly God is good to Israel. To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore his people return here, and waters of a full cup are drained by them. And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches. Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. When I thought of how to understand this, it was too painful for me--until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. Thus, my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God. That I may declare all Your works.

Our pastor preached on this scripture several weeks ago. It was almost as if he was preaching right at me! I can identify with this Psalm. It seems that the wicked in this passage have all the comforts and their lives are grand while it's not going so well with the righteous.

When we were at the retreat I told how one day while I was looking for a parking space at school, and I just lost it because I was convinced that God did not love me anymore because if He really did love me I would not be in want for anything...my own family, good grades, steady income...a parking spot! The Lord did a great work in my heart during the retreat, and, YES! I know He loves me. It wasn't long after the retreat that Pastor Jeff did this sermon and it pricked my heart even more.

There were two things in particular he said that I haven't forgotten:

1. Worship cures envy by giving us a proper perspective.
When I thought of how to understand this, it was too painful for me--until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.
It's amazing how He communicates to us through worship...how He gives us His peace as we focus on praising Him.

2. This is the only Heaven some people we envy have.

Has it sunk in yet?

Some of the people we envy are living the good life now, but are bound for an eternity in hell because they don't know Christ. We may not be keeping up with the Jones's, but we have the blessed hope that better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere.

You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.