Reinforcements
I read a devotion this morning from Crossway regarding Psalm 73. Let’s read Psalm 73 (at least most of it)
“Truly God is good to Israel, 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 when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies. They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth. Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them. And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning. If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed the generation of your children. But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” - Psalm 73:1-17, 23-28 ESV
The author of the Crossway devotion (Doug O’Donnell) points out how the first verse highlights that God is good (remember Patrick has pointed out that Israel is how God refers to his chosen which now includes you and I). The Psalm then goes on to point out that the wicked prosper and it was tempting him to question why he was following God and not the world (apostasy). The Psalm ends pointing out that the wicked will ultimately get their due. Short term gain, long term loss. “Pennywise and pound foolish,” as my Mom used to say. But that’s not what I want to focus on.
In verse 16, the verse states: “But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.” - Psalm 73:16-17
Have you ever had a trying week and gone to church and felt reinvigorated to go out into the world? Do you consider fellowship in the church to strengthen your faith? Worshipping God can reinforce your stamina and ability to deal with the secular world. The church family, singing, listening to a great sermon are all ways to build up your faith to defend against the world tearing it down.
Remember, God gave you a job
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20
In order to do any job well, you need the right tools and skills. Are you taking advantage of the opportunities to build your skill set regularly?
