Psalms Streak: A Daily Devotional in the Psalmsናሙና

The Most Important Thing...

Have you ever felt jealous of someone or wondered why others get all the good things and you don’t? Why others’ lives go so well and you struggle? It can rock our faith when we feel things aren't going our way. The psalmist is in a bit of a crisis of faith here. He “almost stumbles, nearly slips“ when he sees how others are prospering. But, he clearly also recognises that he isn't sure he should be having these thoughts and attitudes. Understandably so, in verses 13-16, he begins to question the benefits of his own faithfulness to God. What's it all for? BUT, as he enters into God's presence, he begins to gain perspective. He knows that life and eternity are so much more than what is happening right now.

Perspective can be so hard when we are facing tough times, when things don’t go as we hoped. Do you need God's perspective in a specific area of your life: in your school, sports teams, church, or family? This Psalm doesn't end in the same way it begins. Our psalmist admits that he struggles to understand why life seems unfair but gets to the point of saying, "Who have I in heaven but you, and earth has nothing I desire but you." All of the things on earth don't compare to being near to God. He knows that God's nearness is the most important thing in life, not the success and accomplishments which the world offers.

GO DEEP: What is God showing you through this Psalm about what our priorities should be on earth? Is there anything you’ve been jealous about that might be good to hand over to Him and receive His perspective?

BE BOLD: Who needs to hear this? Who could you share it with?