Psalm 73 speaks of jealousy of the foolish and arrogant rich. These
people became rich by mocking and extorting men. These wicked rich spoke
against God saying He had no power over them and could not judge them. They
paraded their arrogance and enticed God’s people to drink from their cup and
follow them.
The psalmist saw the things the rich had and experienced
temptation until he went to the sanctuary of God. He remembered God would cast
these wicked rich down to destruction and would allow them to be consumed with
terrors. When the psalmist recalled this, he recognized his sin and repented.
He remembered God is good to His children, those who are upright
and pure in heart. God is continually with His children, holding their right
hand and guiding them. He receives them into His glory when they die and gives them
honor and glory when giving them their inheritance in His kingdom. The psalmist recalled who God is – almighty,
the true desire of our hearts, our Rock and Strength, and our Portion forever.
This epiphany led to his testimony and profession.
The psalmist declared God is not God of those who are far from
Him. He will not receive them into His kingdom, but will destroy everyone who is
false to Him. His final profession, seen from renewed eyes and heart, juxtaposed
with the start of this psalm when he declared himself a child who almost
slipped. Now the psalmist drew near to God, keeping his focus on Him and not himself
or his temptations. He recognized God anew, put His trust in the Lord again, made
Him his refuge, and determined to tell about God’s works. This psalmist no
longer focused on material things - what he didn’t have or what he wanted. Instead
he focused on God, the One Who is good to Israel – the pure and upright in
heart.
"Whom have I in heaven but You? I have no desire or delight on earth besides You. My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength.” (Psalm 73:25-26)
Father, help us to keep our eyes and heart focused on You and
not things of this world. Help us not be jealous of the wealth of others, but
find our contentment and purpose in You. Call us to draw near to You, keeping our
focus on You and not ourselves. Use us today to give testimony about You to the
people we meet. Amen
