Have you ever wondered why someone got the job instead of you? Why others are making more money and have no financial worries? Why others found their other half and you haven’t? Why others seem to be able to enjoy life freely without any setbacks and you’re struggling to pay the bills? Have you ever wondered any, if not all of these things, and more when all you’ve tried to do is be a good person, love your family and friends and help others whenever possible yet you feel like you’re constantly getting the short end of the stick? All of this probably just makes you want to throw in the towel but here’s the thing…
One, even though you feel like it, you’re not alone. Two, Asaph goes through exactly this in Psalm 73 and this is how it plays out…
Teaser: What you look at is what you see.
Asaph essentially goes through three phases:
Psalm 73: 4-12 shows you how Asaph is looking at others like we just touched on.
They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” This is what the wicked are like– always carefree, they increase in wealth.
Takeaway #1: If all you ever do is focus on they, their and them, then all you’ll ever be is angry, upset and distressed.
Psalm 73: 13-17
Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
Takeaway #2: If all you ever focus on is yourself you become dissapointed, disillusioned and depressed.
Psalm 73: 21-28
When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 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.
Takeaway #3: What you look at is what you see. Be sure to look up and create a foundation with God and put your faith in Him. The rest will fall into place when the time is right.
