Praying the PsalmsНамуна

Psalm 73

“The wicked get by with everything; they have it made, piling up riches. I’ve been stupid to play by the rules; what has it gotten me?” (Psalm 73:12, MSG).

Have you ever said these words, or at least thought them? Likely, we all have, right? Sometimes it sure appears that the “bad people” prosper while those of us who try to follow the rules get the leftovers and the crumbs. Why is that? Shouldn’t the “fairness” scales tip in our favor instead of towards those who cheat on their taxes or tell little white lies?

Maybe God knows us all too well, and that’s why whenever we try to play the “it’s not fair” card, we sound like spoiled children. The world isn’t fair. And we are all sinners who desperately need his grace. Evil has been present from the earliest of time. Even the psalmist Asaph caught himself in his complaints.

Look at verse 17: “…till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.” (Psalm 73:17, NIV). The Message says “Then I saw the whole picture…” When we worship, when our focus is on the King of kings and the Lord of lords, nothing else really matters, does it? We worship God for who he is. He’s the One who will set the world right. He’s the one who is the great Judge. And we are all judged through the lens of the grace given to us at the cross of Jesus.

The evil and wicked will find their place on “slippery ground.” But for the psalmist and those of us who trust God and receive the compassion of Jesus, God will reward us for all eternity. So, we need not worry about the excesses of the pretentious or arrogant. Except that they will suffer. So maybe instead of complaining about them, the best use of our thoughts is to pray for them, that they would also bow before the Righteous Judge. If we say we are children of God, people of love, scripture reminds us that love is tenderhearted, kind, and it does not envy.

We can look up to our Counselor. Think about the riches of knowing that the Holy Spirit is our mentor and teacher! The Creator is our guide along paths that He created! Can you see a difference when God is your personal escort? “You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will take me into glory.” (Psalm 73:24, NIV). Nothing else matters. He gives us wisdom. He leads us by the hand. And where does he lead? To glory! Forever with him!

No wonder the psalmist proclaims: “I will tell of all your deeds!” (Psalm 73:28, NIV). If God is showing us how and where to walk, we can echo the declaration of Asaph!

And all the worldly wealth of the wicked? It doesn’t matter a single bit. We have our treasure. We find it in Jesus!

Prayer

God. Abba. Father.

No doubt about it. You are good, so good to us!

But we confess, sometimes we miss it. When we see the wicked succeed, we sometimes wonder, “Why? Why do the arrogant and those who gain wealth via questionable means appear to not have a care in the world while we pinch pennies and do our best to keep our pride in check?”

In our hearts, we desire to never doubt your plans or your ways. Yet, when we see evil thrive, we wonder. Our goal is to only have praise on our lips for you. Create in us a pure heart, O God. Don’t let us turn to the left or to the right. And don’t let us worry or be consumed with the success of others. You have plans for us. We have a personal relationship with you. And how you bless each one of us is up to you. You are the One True God.

We know as we worship you that the path of those who don’t follow you will lead to destruction. No matter their success today.

You will bring your people back. You will continue to guide us by your Spirit. And you will lead us to glory. Thank you! Thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for leading us. Truly, you are what we want most in this lifetime. Your ways. Your presence. Your peace. Your joy. Even when our bodies fail, you will be our strength for all eternity.

Yes, we choose you, O God. You are our protector and provider. We will tell the whole world, beginning with our friends, families, and neighbors, of your wonderful love and how gracious you are to us.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.