12 “Look at these men of arrogance; they never have to lift a finger—their's is a life of ease; and all the time their riches multiply.” 13 Have I been wasting my time? Why take the trouble to be pure? 14 All I get out of it is trouble and woe—every day and all day long! Psalm 73:12-14 Living Bible
Asaph appears to be having a right old whinge at God and what he says, we can easily identify with. There are times when we feel just the same - taken for granted, trod on and left out of things, where others prosper and are thought well of. We can well identify with Asaph's words, 'Have I been wasting my time? Why take the trouble to be pure? All I get out of it is trouble and woe - every day and all day long.' (v13-14) We all go through times when we feel if serving God is worth it, especially when we see people who are not Christians, and don't serve the Lord, living in comfort and prosperity, while we do serve God and at times are scrimping and scraping. We can then easily utter, 'God, it's not fair.' However, our obedience to God is never in vain. Asaph reminds us in Psalm 73:16-19 that we are reaping a harvest in eternity. The rich and yet unsaved, may be having a great time with their wealth and sinful living, but it will all come to an end one day. What they sow they will reap and if they don't reap Jesus, then it's all been in vain and they will spend eternity - lost! As for us, things may be tough at present but be joyful; things will get better and we have an eternity with Jesus to reap.
'Yes but - .' But nothing. Used in this context, the word, 'but', is so negative so try to leave it out of your vocabulary. Only speak words that will build yourself up. (Ephesians 4:29). Phrases such as, 'I'm fed up, bored and can't see the point in anything', are so negative and will only drag you down. Try this kind of approach, 'I'm a bit down today, but God is still on the throne and I praise Him for that.'
Joy is strength. As we praise God and begin to feel good about ourselves, we become stronger and more able to get through temporary setbacks. Things will always come against us, but like David, encourage and strengthen yourself in the Lord. (1 Samuel 30:6-8) God is fair, very fair and that is only one of the many benefits of being His child. Whatever we go through, He walks beside us and wants us to involve Him in this , especially when we come against a problem. Why struggle when the King of kings is by your side?
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
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