4 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
2 Samuel 18
2 Corinthians 11
Ezekiel 25
Psalms 73
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Psalm 73:1–3 (CSB): “God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart. But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray. For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
I love the book of Psalms!
The authors didn’t pretend that they had it all together. Instead, they were honest about what they were truly feeling. And this allows the reader to feel validated and understood, like a fellow-traveler.
But, the true worshipper of God will not want to stay there. They will allow this knowledge of his or her heart to move them closer to the Lord.
As we look at the words of Psalm 73:1-3, we hear the Psalmist saying that he readily acknowledged that God was (is) good.
But, then he exposed a flaw in his own heart as he looked around him at the people who refused to submit to the Lord or His commands. The Psalmist realized that they were doing just fine. There seemed to be no imminent divine judgment – which made it seem that an injustice was taking place.
After all, shouldn’t those who love and obey the Lord always prosper? And shouldn’t those to hate (or at least neglect) the Lord and His commands always fail?
But, that’s not how life works. If we believe it does, then our “feet (will) almost slip” and our “steps (will) nearly (go) astray.” We might begin to doubt God’s goodness. Or we will doubt His power. Or we will doubt His love for His children.
So, how is a Jesus-follower to think about this? How are we to think about it when someone who genuinely loves and obeys the Lord experiences tragedy in their life? Or how are we to think about it when those who reject the Lord’s authority over their life seem to do quite well in life without any hint of God’s discipline or judgment?
The simple answer is this: realize that we aren’t home yet.
Realize that we serve a God who loves justice but He doesn’t always make things right here on earth. Acts 17:31 (CSB) says that God “has set a day when he is going to judge the world in righteousness by the man he has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” It is on that future date that God will finally and ultimately make things right. But that day hasn’t come yet.
So today, live with the conviction of God’s goodness. But allow the injustices that take place in your life and all around you cause you to crave for your eternal home. Allow it to cause you to long for Heaven. Because you aren’t home yet.
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Lord Jesus, I see so much pain, so much injustice around me and my heart can sometimes get overwhelmed with anger. When I simply look at the world around me I can be moved to resent the injustice of how ungodly folks seem to be doing fine while those of us who desire to follow and obey You often get more than our fair share of troubles. But, Lord, help me to realize that You are fully just. You see what I see. And one day You will make it all right. Thank You for that truth. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 