Psalm 73
Envy is one of the emotions that can make life sour and the future seem uncertain. As long as you focus your mind on other people’s enjoyable advantages, you will always be filled with resentment and a desire to possess the same advantages. Envy is a great enemy of contentment and peace. It is unhealthy to base your confidence about the future on material success. The world of economics and politics is highly volatile. So, a sight-driven faith can’t stand the tests of life. It is easily weakened by the absence of earthly accomplishments and possessions. It is okay to prosper and possess, however, we need to grow our faith muscles independent of the riches of the world.
Apathy of secularism
Verses 1-16, 21-22
To a person of faith, it can be disheartening to witness the indifference of the rich, elite and globalists. It’s amazing how they can be inconsiderate and prosper without some kind of accountability. Does Yahweh really care? Especially that the world is full of self-willed people who care only about their interests. God, justice, love, good morals are not important at all: they are nonessentials. Sometimes it is even considered a form of weakness to hope in the Lord. It’s a mockery to human intelligence. To some religious people who equate material abundance to blessedness; this poses a challenge to their faith and confidence. They can’t comprehend the fact that anyone can prosper materially and be in good health without a personal acknowledgement and worship of Christ. That kind of ignorance causes them to doubt the goodness and love of Yahweh. Their self-righteousness makes them to feel entitled to earth’s riches and goods. They imagine that if they prove themselves faithful to God’s will, they will be exempted from the limitations and frustrations of life. The more they are forced to witness the prosperity of the wicked, the more they grow despondent. They feel cheated by the success of the unrighteous. You can’t face and overcome the world with a worldly mindset. The world celebrates competition, arrogance, ambition, ruthlessness and selfishness as true marks of liberty. As people of light, we know better.
The revolution of revelation
Until I came into the sanctuary r of God; Then I perceived their end. Verse 17
We should not allow our minds to be driven by the glamour of the world: rather, we should have a higher perspective on life. We are better equipped to discern the advantages of faith and fellowship with the creator and sovereign ruler of the universe. We can’t honestly compete with the world. We are on a different platform and dimension. When Yahweh Elohim illumined the mind of Asaph, a turn around happened. He was instantly transformed from a man with a simple mind to a man of great insight. Revelation helps us to look at life holistically. Our lives don’t consist of material possessions; but Christ’s blessings, presence, covenant, peace, joy and salvation. We are able to interpret intervals by His grace. Our current circumstances don’t define our destiny, but His will does. The most trying time for believers is the interval between the promise and the fulfillment. However, the wisdom of Elohim empowers us to discern the meaning of delays, tests, temptation, pain, setbacks and different situations. Once you become aware of your heritage in Christ, you will have no need to resent unbelievers for having more possessions. You possess a joyful and confident expectation of good now and forever (Ephesians 1:18; Colossians 1:5, 27). You enjoy a wealth of Christ’s splendorous opinion of your worth. In Christ’s mind, you are royalty and deserve noble treatment in spite of your current status. This revelation revolutionized Asaph’s perception of self and true prosperity.
The final nail
Psalm 73:23-28 NASBS
[23] Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. [24] With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. [25] Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. [26] My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. [27] For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. [28] But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God ad my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works. …
The realization of Yahweh’s unfailing love and dependability unleashed a greater measure of faith in the worshipers’ heart. What could possibly shake his confidence after such a comforting revelation? Nothing. Before this, he was convinced that Elohim was disengaged and remote. He felt ignored and abandoned by the one he valued above life. But now, the story had changed. He got it. God was on his side (Psalm 27:1-3).
We must not try to validate the presence of Yahweh in our lives by the working of our senses. Our sensual perception can be misleading. We walk by faith and not by sight. We will not always feel goosebumps as a testimony of His presence and love: but we know by faith that He will never forsake us. We don’t have to seek signs, we have a treasure of knowledge in His testament with us. He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32). Every nail that was driven through Jesus ‘ hands and feet was a testimony of Elohim’s eternal love for us. Nothing reveals the magnitude of His love and grace like His death and resurrection. You can be sure of His unshakable promises and authority to prosper your life and fulfill your destiny (Psalm 31:15). Whatever happens, don’t lose your hope and faith.