Today's Reading:
Judges 17:1-18:31
Romans 1:18-32
Psalm 73:1-14
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: Focus Verses:Psalm 73:1-3; 16-17
1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. - - - 16 When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me 17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
Insight:
I
truly appreciate how the songwriter, Asaph, was so honest about his
feelings and doubts. He believed that God is good and does good for his
people. He believed that those who are pure in heart can count on God's
goodness. He admitted, however, that his faith was on slippery ground.
His foothold was shaken when he saw the prosperity of the wicked. He
found himself beginning to envy them. "What good does it do me to have
faith in you God?" he asked. "I don't understand what's going on!"
It
became oppressive to him as he tried to reason through the whole
philosophical and theological problem of how God can be good while the
world is so evil. It was only when Asaph began to worship God that he
began to see and understand. Worshiping the eternal God gave him an
eternal perspective. Temporal prosperity lost its shine and allure in
the light of eternal destiny.
Response and Action:Like
the Psalmist, I am tempted at times to feel like faith in God isn't
getting me anywhere. I can envy the wicked. The sight of people
prospering and succeeding with no regard for God can cause me to lose
sight of God's faithfulness and eternal promises.
Worship
is the way to hold on to perspective and faith. Worship gives me
focus and reminds me of what is eternal and what is temporal. I will
worship God, believing he is good and faithful to his people–to those
who seek him with pure hearts.
O
God, help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right.
In your faithfulness to me, do not let me be tempted beyond what I
can bear. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Thank
you for your goodness to those who seek you. Give me humility and
the wisdom to not envy the arrogant. Give me the perspective and
discernment to know what is true and what is real. Deepen my
understanding of life and meaning as I worship you and praise you. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Resources:
Learning to Pray Through the Psalms
by James Sire
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