June 28, 2021 — Psalm 73

“Truly God is good to the upright,
to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;
my steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogant;
I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

For they have no pain;
their bodies are sound and sleek.
They are not in trouble as others are;
they are not plagued like other people.
Therefore pride is their necklace;
violence covers them like a garment.
Their eyes swell out with fatness;
their hearts overflow with follies.
They scoff and speak with malice;
loftily they threaten oppression.
They set their mouths against heaven,
and their tongues range over the earth.

Therefore the people turn and praise them,
and find no fault in them.^”  Psalm 73:1-10

“Prosperity of wicked men runs like a torrent past, and soon is spent.” (Marcel Proust, Swann’s Way)

Like the psalmist, we are tempted to envy the prosperity of the wicked; a common temptation, which is very trying on our hearts, our minds, and our graces. But we cannot forget one principle, which the psalmist lays down – it is the goodness of G-d. This is a truth which cannot be shaken. Our thoughts and praises to G-d will fight against Satan’s temptations. The faith even of strong believers may be quickly shaken, and ready to fail from time to time. There are storms that will try the firmest anchors – waves that will shake the strongest foundation. 

Remember the disciples on the boat where Jesus is asleep on the stern.  Even with Jesus in the boat, the disciples are afraid – for they sorely underestimate the power of Jesus. Evil may win a skirmish or two – but the goodness of G-d will win the day.

Pastor Dave