Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (vv 1-3)
The psalmist wonders, as many saints have done through the years, why the wicked prosper and God's people don't. Why do evil, ungodly people seem to have it all? They laugh in God's face, amass worldly wealth, and enjoy healthy, robust lives. On the other hand, God's people suffer persecution, get bypassed for promotion, pray to be healed, but don't get better, are poor, broken and seemingly abandoned by God.
They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" (v 11)
The dilemma may have occurred to you. You may even be one of the godly to whom the psalmist refers, and you wonder if there is any point 'playing by the rules' (v 13 Message translation). Stay with the psalmist, though, and you'll realise this life-changing fact: temporal provision does not translate to eternal blessings.
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. (v 17)
To arrive at this conclusion, Asaph needed a shift of focus. When he concentrated on the wicked, and material things, his world view was gloomy. But once he spent time in God's presence, he saw the wider picture. There is no benefit to comparing yourself with the wicked, because, when they arrive at their eternal resting place, they would change places with you in a heartbeat! As Christ said to the disciples, what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul? (Matt 16:25-26 )
Your life may presently be filled with heartbreak and pain, but even that is temporal. Before you conclude that you have no hope or help in God, revisit the psalmist's first words, which I repeat here for emphasis:
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. (v 1)
God is only good. His goodness extends to all, especially the pure in heart. He is gracious, compassionate, loving and merciful. He desires that you prosper and be in health (3 John 2). He delights in the prosperity of His servants (Ps 35:27). Take a look at this paraphrase of Psalm 103: 3-5:
He forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. He redeems you from death and crowns you with love and tender mercies. He fills your life with good things.
God's goodness extends towards you, all the time. Don't let temporary circumstances convince you otherwise.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Psalm 72
GIVE THE king [knowledge of] Your [way of] judging, O God, and [the spirit of] Your righteousness to the king's son [to control all his actions]....May he judge and defend the poor of the people, deliver the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor, so that they may revere and fear You while the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. (vv 1, 4-5 Amp)
This psalm, penned by Solomon, is generally believed to be a prayer uttered from the lips of David, his father. However, as is habitual with many psalms, the prophetic runs throughout the verses, clearly pointing beyond Solomon's reign to the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. The words foretell things to come. They point to the eternal reign of Jesus, when He will come to (among other things):
Jesus is coming back one day, and when He returns, He will bring with Him the answer to your every desire (as placed in you by God Himself). Psalm 72 is proof that our hope in Christ is not in vain.
Moreover, your cries will not go unanswered, even now, for our Lord already reigns. Your life is precious in His sight, and you are of more value to Him than a flock of helpless sparrows, for whom He assumes daily care (Luke 12: 6-7). Meditate on the words of this psalm, until you are confident of your salvation, and of God's love and plans to help you in your hour of need.
Then lift up your voice and join the throng of those who call Him blessed. Let his praise rise on the tide of hope that swells within you as you rejoice in the knowledge that you have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved for eternity.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
This psalm, penned by Solomon, is generally believed to be a prayer uttered from the lips of David, his father. However, as is habitual with many psalms, the prophetic runs throughout the verses, clearly pointing beyond Solomon's reign to the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. The words foretell things to come. They point to the eternal reign of Jesus, when He will come to (among other things):
- Judge the earth, (v 2)
- Cause righteousness to reign (v 3)
- Right the wrongs perpetuated by oppressors and abolish evil (v 4)
- Bring peace and cause the righteous to flourish (v 7)
- Rule over nations. (vv 8, 11)
Jesus is coming back one day, and when He returns, He will bring with Him the answer to your every desire (as placed in you by God Himself). Psalm 72 is proof that our hope in Christ is not in vain.
Moreover, your cries will not go unanswered, even now, for our Lord already reigns. Your life is precious in His sight, and you are of more value to Him than a flock of helpless sparrows, for whom He assumes daily care (Luke 12: 6-7). Meditate on the words of this psalm, until you are confident of your salvation, and of God's love and plans to help you in your hour of need.
Then lift up your voice and join the throng of those who call Him blessed. Let his praise rise on the tide of hope that swells within you as you rejoice in the knowledge that you have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved for eternity.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
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