I envied... when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 73)

Wednesday, April 1st, One Year Bible readings:
Deuteronomy 18:1-20:20 ~ Luke 9:28-50 ~ Psalm 73:1-28 ~ Proverbs 12:10

Psalm 73 is a worship song that deals specifically with the problem many faithful worshipers face - jealousy over the apparent prosperity and pleasure enjoyed by wicked and ungodly people. Left unchecked, these feelings of jealousy are a trap that entice many of the otherwise faithful to turn away from the faith and indulge in the fleeting pleasures of the flesh.

¹Surely 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.

Psalm 73:1-3

The psalm offers a solution that is more than saying, "Don't do that. Don't envy." It actually explains the reasonable train of thought that the faithful worshiper must experience...

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.

Psalm 73:16-17

Today, as an act of worship, praise God for His wisdom, justice, and grace. Keep eternity in your gaze, and remember the final destination of those without Christ.

"There's more to this life than living and dying, more than just trying to make it through the day."

- Steven Curtis Chapman.

For more on Psalm 73 see my post on Psalm 49 "Who are You Trusting in?"