The writer of this psalm puts out a call to everyone - rich, poor, young and old - and draws their attention to some universal factors. Having spent time considering the evilness of his day, and being surrounded by the wicked, he decides he has nothing to fear. No matter how much they try to harass or distress him with their might and power, he has no reason to be afraid or feel any other negative emotion towards them. In fact, we suspect that he actually pities them.
His reason: their wealth, which is the substance of their lives, is fleeting, and cannot buy their lives from God or prevent one certainty - they will eventually die. The psalmist is pointing out the folly of placing our trust in worldly wealth or achievements; or building monuments to our egos:
Their inward thought is that their houses will continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands their own [apart from God] and after their own names. But man, with all his honor and pomp, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish. (vv 11-12 Amplified)
The Lord Jesus solemnly warned us about the same thing:Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6: 19-21)
While God is not against us having riches or being wealthy, we are in great danger if we allow the pursuit of such things to rule our lives. For a start, we must remember that Christ has paid the ransom to rescue us from eternal death to life in God. By virtue of the price He's paid, all that we are and own now belong to Him.
Like the psalmist, you may be aware of some person/s whose entire lives revolve around their possessions or accomplishments. Spare a thought for them today. God provided Christ for their ransom as much as yours, and He desires their salvation just as much, for:
...even the Son of man came...to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
Send a prayer their way, asking that Christ's sacrifice have as much effect on their lives as it has for you.
And while you are at it, take stock of where your treasures lie and ask yourself what kind of legacy you are building for eternity. If you have invested more in earthly riches than your heavenly heritage, stop and ask the Holy Spirit to help you fix your mind on the Author and Finisher of your faith, on the reason He created and saved you, and on things eternal.
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