THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 73
“Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure.” (Psalm 73:13)
How do we feel when non-believers or bad people seem to do OK.
Or even worse, they seem to prosper and be happy?!?
In this psalm Asaph shares his honest struggle with following God.
He still struggles, so is following God a waste of time and effort?
As he thinks about this, he realizes what ‘the wicked’ do not have.
They do not know the comfort of God’s presence, guidance and promise.
They go through life ultimately alone, and will die alone.
“But as for me, it is good to be near God.” (Psalm 73:28)
Do I experience this blessing, the nearness of God with me?
When life is hard, am I seeking the comfort of His presence?
Am I renewed inwardly when I’m dying outwardly (2 Corinthians 4:6)?
As a Jesus follower, we can draw upon His strength, guidance and promise.
But if we don’t, why else bother with following Him?
Given a choice between earthly or heavenly comfort, which would I choose?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, if I don’t enjoy Your presence, Your guidance and Your promise, why would I bother to follow You? Thank You that I am growing in enjoying these wonderful blessings.
Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Keep my eyes on Jesus. Envy of worldly things is not the answer. My home is the heavenly one and not the treasures here on earth. I need to live each day for my Saviour – all for Jesus.
None other Lamb, none other Name,
None other hope in heav’n or earth or sea,
None other hiding-place from guilt and shame,
None beside Thee.
2
My faith burns low, my hope burns low;
Only my heart’s desire cries out in me
By the deep thunder of its want and woe,
Cries out to Thee.
3
Lord, Thou art Life, though I be dead;
Love’s fire Thou art, however cold I be;
Nor heaven have I, nor place to lay my head,
Nor home but Thee.