Psalm 73:1-28
Have you ever been where Asaph was in Psalm 73--envious of the people of the world and their perceived prosperity? It's pretty easy to let your mind go there, especially when you've been diligent in serving and following the Lord yet you're struggling. You just can't seem to make ends meet financially, one thing after the other seems to go wrong, you or a loved one gets a bad report from the doctor--you get the drift.
So the next time we're tempted to give in and have a pity party, what can we do to take our eyes off of us and our situation and focus them instead on God and His provision and protection? Tami W.
I think today's reading is something we can all relate to. We've all had a "party" of our own! Some Christians I know struggle with this issue/question - why the wicked prosper, while they trying to please the Lord are struggling. When that happens in my life, the pity party that is; I think of Joseph being in that dark prison, yet the Bible tells us repeatedly, "the Lord was with Joseph". So the Lord has a purpose for sending things into our lives we don't understand - but He's there with us.....we need to trust Him! Someday, when the Lord returns to the earth, He will right all the wrongs!
1. Go to God- all healing starts there.
2. Be honest and transparent with God- He knows everything anyway, so let 'er rip.
3. Accept responsibility for your sinful acts/thoughts/attitudes.
4. Reaffirm your relationship with Him (vv 23-24).
5. Rest in the salvation He has given- not just eternal salvation, but salvation worry and anxiety.
Sounds easy, but not always the case. It may take some real angry, tearful, honest time with the Lord before the rest comes that Asaph appears to have found in verse 28.
i'm there right now . God gave us our own business 15 years ago . i have tithed since i became a Christian . it looks like we may have to close . i have been focusing on Gods word and praying His word come to be . But His will be done . if it's time for something new i am ready to let go . God has not given me a direction yet but i trust Him even though i can't see it clearly yet . instead of a pity party i'm gonna have a continual PRAISE HIM PARTY !!!
Have your parents or you ever told anyone "don't look at what someone else has, be thankful for what you have". God tells us the same to be satisfied and give thanks with what you have. He is our Heavenly Father and He will provide what He thinks we should have. So let us just be satisfied with what He tells us through His Word. He knows our every need. Do not look at what others have. God is in charge. Focus on Him not on others.
I just keep going back to the Word...."I know the plans I have for you..." I am reminded too, that the plan God has for me....is custom designed just for me....to grow me in Him and His ways. Remember in John 21 when Peter wants to know what's going to happen to John? "Jesus answered, If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." (John 21:22)....again another powerful reminder that we are to be focused on serving the Lord best in our situation---whatever that entails!
God Bless You, Leo!
It helps for me to remember the injustice done to Jesus here on earth. Yet, this was the cup His Father wanted him to drink, and He did so obediently. I cannot be enduring anything so extreme as He did, yet can keep my mind focused on His example and pray for His grace to see me through.
This is a beautiful passage and gives encouragement to the believer. Verse 16 and 17 is what gives the believer all the hope that he needs and it is what tells us where we are to reside.
"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".
We only understand when we enter the sanctuary of God. When we believe that our problems are more than everyone else and especially the unbelievers we need to draw closer to God for a better understanding of our situation.
We must always reside in God's sanctuary
It is even easier to when you are in sin....But GOD will be GOD...and He is GOoD and he gives GRACE and Mercy and Justice.
Leo,
I'm traveling today and just opened the P4 blog page at the airport and read your blog. Just wanted you to know that I prayed for you and your situation and I also wanted to thank you for being so open and honest about what you're going through and how you are choosing to handle it. Please know you were an encouragement to me today.
Tami W.
Envy is something that doesn't necessarily occur in an instant. When we harbor the seeds of envy, jealousy, greed, etc. these are pitfalls that have already taken root in our heart and mind and we must go to God for a brisk pruning! You never know what goes on behind the heart of someone who appears to have it all and when I find myself in that trap of envy, I ask the Lord to remove it and I also pray for that person's salvation.
I think it also important to count each and every one of our blessings- I wouldn't trade places with anyone else because God has so richly blessed me (in His own perfect way) and when I look or point my finger at what someone else has, it's as if I'm saying 'all that You've given me God isn't enough, I want more!' So simply put, thank Him for what He's given us and spend time with the Father to keep those bitter seeds at bay.