Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (Psalm 73:1-3)
Whereas the first two books of the psalms recount specific and personal events in the life of individuals, namely David, this introductory prayer of the third book of the Psalms addresses general themes which demonstrate God’s goodness. To set the tone for the rest of the psalms in this book, the writer acknowledges an issue that all who serve God have faced — “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?” (Jeremiah 12:1). This question is especially poignant when we consider the suffering God’s people are subjected to continually.
But notice, before there is an acknowledgment of this internal dilemma, the psalmist makes certain to acknowledge a more important truth — God is good to His people. In other words, when doubt and uncertainty arises in our hearts and minds, we must remember that, in all things and at all times, God is good to those who are pure in heart. Everything that He does for us, or allows us to go through, is for our good. We may suffer now, but in the end His goodness will be made evident, and in the process, dead and unfruitful ways will be purged from our lives.
If we remember this fundamental truth — that God is good to us first and foremost — then it is less likely that we will complain when trouble comes. Instead, keeping our thoughts and focus on the fact that He loves and cares for us will produce words of gratitude and blessing when we find ourselves in difficult circumstances. As it is written, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments