From the psalmist’s perspective, the wicked prospered and the righteous suffered. It didn’t make sense. As God’s people, they expected to be the one’s prospering while the wicked struggled. But it was different; the wicked had mocked the righteous as they questioned the true presence of Israel’s God. “But when I thought to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task” (Psalm 73.16). The psalmist grew weary in seeking to comprehend what appeared incomprehensible. But then he finished his thought: “until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end” (73.17). His heart and perspective changed when He sought God’s wisdom; when he remembered that a time is coming when the Lord will show Himself as the righteous judge over all the earth. Now, He is fulfilling His purposes in His people; “now” is short compared to eternity.
Until that time comes, and regardless of our situations in life, there is no need for comparison with anyone; what others seem to have attained is insignificant to what the believer has been given through the gracious work of Christ. Regardless of present troubles, the psalmist knew the truth. “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory” (73.23-24). What more can we ask for; what more do we need? Regardless of the depth of our pain or the difficulty of our situation, we are not alone. Our Lord will ever guide us and help us. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (73.25-26). In reality we don’t need what others have; we don’t need greater health and freedom from pain. What we need is to remember our true strength and eternal prosperity are rooted in Christ; we need to remember to keep our eyes focused upon our Lord and His Word.
Remembering what we know – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 