Psalm 73:1-28
I found Asaph's words refreshing because he was so real in telling us about his struggles and the things he felt and thought. As he starts, his attitude is kind of "woe is me, life isn't fair, I've been dealt a bad hand" (I can relate because I've certainly been there). But then, Asaph comes to his senses. I love these words: "I was brutish and ignorant. I was like a beast toward you" (vs.22); "God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (vs. 25); and "But for me it is good to be near to God" (vs. 28). Thank you, Asaph for that much needed reminder!
So what from Asaph's words pressed on your heart today? What role does being in God's Word play in being "near to God"? Tami W.
My source of being near & remaining near to God is the Word of God.
I think we all fall prey to this line of thought. I look at some of the people I know, who less than follow the straight and narrow, and have also angered about how everything is so easy for them. But, if you look closer, under the surface, it is just as scripture says, they fall and boy do they fall hard. I continously remind myself to be thankful for what the Lord gives me, and not to worry about what others have. It's hard to overcome a life of modern day brainwashing about how you have to have the most to judge success, but if you look at things one day at a time, you realize the Lord provides you with what is most important.
The thing that stands out for me is that unless you stay in God's word you cant be close to God.
"Thou hast holden me by my right hand" He guides us, brings us into a safe and protected place where we can be protected during life's storms. That's what stands out to me (I have King James version).
I think it is interesting how he said that he was envious of those that had prosperity. It seems this is a story of all mankind. He also makes out rich people to be all bad. I have to contend it is easy to think that, but it is not always true. There are baddish and goodish in all of us, whether we are rich or poor.
I live in a upper-middle class neighborhood and I would say that it is easy to get caught up wondering how Mr and Mrs Jones made it (obviously they made it because they have all this stuff) and why you are left a bit behind. But when you dig a little deeper those upper-middle class people are struggling just like the rest of us. They may have debt, they may have no family time, they may have no God time, they may have depression, sorrow and grief.
I'm so thankful that God reminds me daily to love one another. Not judge one another or be envious of one another. Just love- when you do this, the judging and envy fall to the wayside and we become more like Christ.
How many of us would be near to God if we had no troubles, no problems, no sickness? I have always had everything I needed and more. There was a time in my life when I thought I needed more 'toys'- bigger house, nicer car, etc. Life was a competition (more, bigger, better). I'm very thankful that God brought me troubles and trials that drew me closer to Him. I trust Him with my life and the lives of those around me. Troubles will come (we live in a fallen world) but God will be with us always.
I have a confession to make; in my spiritual leprosy and sin I have also been disillusioned in my walk w/ God and have blamed God for my misery and pain. After 40 yrs of trying to discern who God wants me to be for Him as I slowly walk into destitution and seemingly against God. What bothers me more than my agony is that God is displeased with me and the life He has given me. I admit that in my faith I tremble and have even fallen. I agree that sin is infectuos and that I should be treated as such that others may not be contaminated. This is what is mostly impressed on my heart at this time along w/ the fact that I know God truly loves me. What a wonderful God I have! Thank you for providing a forum for me to vent and let go of my distress. Please forgive me for not living up to being the Christian person that all true believers should be but please be patient with me and know that I am trying to forgive as Christ forgave.
Too often, Christians are lured into believing that the world gets to "have its cake and eat it too", yet clearly God's Word here reminds us of the end result.
A focus on God is the remedy for the fruitless lusts and wants of this world.
I'm sure I would be in same predicament as Asaph was in the beginning if I wasn't near to God thru His Word. The Word keeps me grounded.
Psalms 73:8-14 My thought, if you choose to do things God's way it will bring some pain, but in the end it will pay off!! If others are giving you a hard time, they really may be struggling themselves. Continue to do the right thing, continue to please God over what other might say.
Go on and read Psalms 73:15-28
In my life and in the life of others I see such a huge difference when others are walking and learning the ways of Christ. I can see in myself when my eyes and mind are not on God and His ways, my world goes in a spin. It is a mess!! When my focus is on God and the things I am learning in His Word, my life is completely different!!! Different in a good way! Doing things God's way, many times is very hard, but like I have said, it pays off in the end!!! It gets very trying at times when others are there to question and doubt and make fun of you because of the choices you are making. Especially if it is different from the way they would do things and react to things around them. That is going to make you look different, and that is not a bad thing. We all need to remember what God's Word tells us, that when we choose to do things His way, others are not going to like it, we will get made fun of. Can someone please help me with the verse I am trying to think of. Continue to do what is right. Everybody, have a good day!!
Dear anonymous- I think you might be thinking of Mathew 10:22 (read 16-26) and John 15: 18-25. Jesus is talking about how the world will hate us because we are not of the world, we are of God.
Also to Rich: God may hate what you have done, but He loves you. He sent His son Jesus to die for You that you may be washed of your sin. Don't let satan draw you back by telling you lies that you are contaminated. Jesus freed you from ALL sin- Past, present, and future. You are a new person.
( 2 Corinthians 5:17) We all struggle with daily sin-but through confession and God's grace we are forgiven time after time. God is patient with us if we are walking with Him. YOU are valuable to God. (Luke 12:7) Good verses: Romans 8:1 John 8:36 Romans 6: 3,6
I will be praying for you.