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Psalm 73 {envy and nearly lost faith}

 I am joining with  Jenny at A Minute Captured in her Praying Through the Psalms series.
Today is my personal reflection on Psalm 73.  (Please note I am no Biblical scholar!)


It is so easy to envy the rich, especially the ridiculously rich, and wonder why do they have it all and I have nothing like that?  It is even harder to understand when those who are prospering are perceived to be living self-destructive, hurtful lives.  


This is the inner struggle for Asaph in Psalm 73.  He wonders why he has bothered to live an innocent life when he sees the life of ease of the wicked.  It nearly costs him his faith.





But, as for me, I lost my balance; my feet all but slipped,
Because I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For they suffer no pain; their bodies are healthy and sleek.
They are free of the burdens of life; they are not afflicted like others. 
Psalm 73: 2-5 NAB


He then asks the ultimate question for those trying to live a holy life in the midst of the secular world:

      Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?
        Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?
        I get nothing but trouble all day long;
        every morning brings me pain.
                Psalm73: 13-14 NLV

Haven't we all asked ourselves this at some point? The why bother question.  But this is when  we can remind ourselves that all that glitters is not gold and what may appear like prosperity on the outside can hide the aching souls within.  

The Psalmist remembers this, too, and reclaims his faith, taking comfort knowing that he is led by God's good counsel and that God is holding him by the hand.  

         Though my flesh and my heart fail, God is the rock of my heart, my portion forever.
         Psalm 73:26 NAB


Holding God by the hand brings such great peace to my soul.  His love and strength provide the greatest riches of all. 








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Comments

  1. Practicing MammalJune 12, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    beautiful reflection, Misty. Thank you. I am at a conference this weekend, the theme of which has largely been similiar to what you are saying. It has been about living out poverty, chastity and obedience in the married life. So lovely to hear you echo that message. Blessings, PM

    ReplyDelete
  2. JennyJune 12, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    I love the visual of holding the hand of God.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The AdventurerJune 13, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    Lovely post. Thanks for linking up tot he NOBH:)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amy W ThorntonJune 17, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    What a powerful psalm. We studied this in church last week. What struck me about this psalm was the ending - "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds." (NIV) A great reminder that we have to choose to make Him our refuge, to choose to be with Him. Otherwise the dangerous depths of envy may claim us. Thanks for sharing this - great food for thought. Smiles -

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~Grace and peace to you~

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