Scripture
"For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ill." ( Psalm 73:3-5)
"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds." (Psalm 73:28)
Observation
I’m sure I’m not the only one that sometimes feels like being a person of integrity doesn’t get you very far in this world. As the saying goes, “The nice guy finishes last”, right? My eyes see the dirty businessmen getting rich, the selfish and lying workers getting promoted, and even corrupt politicians finding success in advancing their agendas, and it makes me question the path to achieving a “good” life. Why does it seem like the wicked prosper while good people get passed over, walked on, and taken advantage of? It would appear Asaph struggled with this same dilemma. If the wicked prosper than what’s the point of being good? In fact, Asaph admits that his struggle with this was so deep it almost caused his faith and trust in God to falter, and it all climaxed in verse 13 when Asaph questioned if his efforts to remain pure and innocent were all in vain. Left to his own thoughts and perspective, Asaph was going downhill fast… “till I entered the sanctuary of God”. (v.17) When Asaph went to the temple, to the place of prayer and worship, to the place of God’s presence, everything changed. His frustration transformed to wisdom and understanding, his earthly perspective shifted to a Kingdom perspective, his emotions were set at ease, and he resolved to live out the ultimate truth, “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” It was at church that Asaph remembered the greatness of his God, it was in worship that he remembered the value of eternity, and it was through prayer that he understood the greater good of following and trusting God.
Application
I am reminded to heed the call to walk by faith and not by sight. The disciples’ eyes saw Jesus dead on a cross, but their reality was His victory over sin and death. Asaph’s eyes saw the wicked prospering, but their reality would be an eternity of judgment without the grace of Jesus. My eyes see the wicked seemingly winning in life, but I must remember that ...“for me, it is good to be near God...” Following Jesus is worth it, living in purity and innocence is worth it, trusting His ways, His plan, and His timing are worth it because He is worth it. I need to remind my flesh that it is better to live in His grace than in gold castles, it’s more satisfying to live in His love than drive lamborghinis, and it’s more fruitful to pursue His plans than to pine after cash and toys. Is it hard...yes! Does it take lots of effort...yes! Is it the easy or comfortable route...no! Is it worth it...YES! Today I must remember the worthiness of God, the value of His grace and love, the satisfaction of living for Him, which are all greater than anything this world has to offer.
Prayer
Jesus please forgive me for questioning the value of living a life of purity and obedience to You. Forgive me for being distracted by the things of this world and for placing my value in the things of this world. When I stray please help me to return to Your house, Your presence, and to worship so that, like Asaph, I might regain an eternal perspective and remember the joy and honor of serving You. In Your name, Amen!
