Brothers and Sisters in Christ...

...stand FIRM. Let NOTHING Move you. Always give yourselves FULLY to the work of the LORD, because you know that your labor in the LORD is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Psalm 73

I was reading in Psalm 73 this morning about the tragedy of the wicked, and the blessedness of trust in God. The Psalmist is a little envious of the wicked because of their prosperity. In a moment, he forgets his own blessings, only looking at all that the wicked have and the way of their hearts. Then, remembering his own life, he says, "When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me- until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end." (v. 16-17) The wicked and selfish at heart might have "riches" and "wealth" here on the earth, but what is that in all eternity? What satisfaction can worldly expenses have but temporal? Then the Psalmist does something else: he remembers how he came to The Lord. "Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You." (v. 21-22) We all have moments in our lives when we realize our own foolishness and sinfulness, but, thanks be to God, repentance is followed by a humbling forgiveness! "Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." (v. 23-24) Not only a realized forgiveness, but a hope of eternity worshiping GOD and that knowing that He is all that we need because He is all that can satisfy our every longing in life and after." Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (v. 25-26) Of course, it doesn't stop with the joy that God has given us with completed satisfaction in Him. No. Now we have a life to live on the earth in relationship with God, trusting and following Him, and telling others about Him. "But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works." (v. 28)

God is among us. He loved us first and from the beginning. He is the only satisfaction for our lives on earth and for eternity.