But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. Psalm 73:2-5 NLT
It’s quite natural, especially when things aren’t going well, to compare our lives, our pains and our blessings to others; we just want to know that we are getting our just due. The problem with that is this: our just due is not something any one of us would want! None of us, not even on our best days, deserve the love and favor of God. Nonetheless, when we see others, sailing through life, without the troubles we face, it’s easy to ask questions like the following.
Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. Psalm 73:13-14 NLT
If all we focus on is the daily struggle we will be most miserable indeed. A pure heart and a life of righteousness, by God’s grace, brings us great reward. There’s never a shed tear that God does not take note of, and never an act of kindness that He does not notice. If our reward is not apparent here, you can rest assured that He will bless you abundantly when you reach your final destination. So how do we regain perspective?
Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Psalm 73:17 NLT
It’s amazing how much perspective we gain when we’re involved in fellowship with other believers, worshiping God together, and listening to His word. I can’t count the number of times I entered a church service discouraged and left feeling like the message was customized just for me!
Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:21-26 NLT
Jesus totally understands our pain, our frustrations and our inability to maintain the right perspective when we are suffering. If you’ve been struggling with that, don’t beat yourself up over it. Get back into church, back into fellowship, back into prayer and back into God’s word! Let God restore your perspective, your hope and your joy.
Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. Psalm 73:27-28 NLT
When times are tough remember that God wants to be your shelter in the storm. Run toward Him, not away from Him. Your health may fail, and your spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of your heart; He is yours forever. Now that’s something to celebrate!