Psalm
73 reminds me of a book I read recently called The Millionaire Next
Door. The book is based on research about who the rich really are in
America. It turns out that most of our assumptions about wealthy
people are wrong. Most millionaires simply work very hard and spend
very little. In short, high income does not produce wealth if it is
accompanied by lavish spending. That means we cannot gauge someone’s
wealth by their home, car, or clothes. This psalm seems to give the
human perspective on the “godly”. We often misjudge others when
we look at their outward appearance. He begins, “Surely
God is good to… those… pure in heart“.
And he quickly adds, “But
as for me, my feet had almost slipped“.
Contrary to what many believe, those that trust God must still face
trials and temptations. Listen to his attitude as he makes
assumptions about others, “I
envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked… They
have
no
struggles… healthy and strong… free from the burdens“.
Do you think you are the only one that has to handle difficulties?
God often teaches us through tough times. There is no piety on
poverty nor is there evil in prosperity. No, “the
love
of money is a root of all kinds of evil”
(1 Timothy 6:10). Rich or poor, our attitude is what matters to God.
The psalmist has harsh accusations for the
rich, “pride
is their necklace… clothe… with violence… callous hearts…
evil conceits… scoff… speak with malice… mouths lay claim to
heaven… people turn to them… always carefree“.
It seems that he realizes the problem is in his own perceptions and
prejudices, “in
vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in
innocence“. Jesus
asked his followers, “Why
do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no
attention to the plank in your own eye?”
(Mathew 7:3). Who are you falsely condemning?
As we grow closer to
God, I believe we begin to view others with The Father’s love. God
gives us a compassion for those around us that are lost. He
continues, “I
have been plagued; I have been punished every morning… When I tried
to understand all this, it was oppressive to me… till I entered the
sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny… How
suddenly are they destroyed“.
God often puts a burden on our hearts for those that He loves. “My
heart was grieved and my spirit embittered… I was senseless and
ignorant“.
The psalmist recognizes that God does not abandon us, but rather we
fail to acknowledge Him. “Yet
I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me
with your counsel“.
It seems that finally he is ready to minister to those in need, “My
flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart“.
He will speak the truth, “Those
who are far from You will perish“.
Now his motivation is to honor God, “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“.
1 Corinthians 8:1 reminds us that our goal in studying God’s Word
is not for our knowledge only, but to encourage those around us that
also struggle. “Knowledge
puffs up, but love builds up“.
Today is a good building day.