“Turly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.” Psalm 73:1 

Today’s verse reminds us of an important truth about God…He looks at our heart! It doesn’t call for more works, more tithes, or even more church services. NO! God’s thoughts and ways about us transcend own thoughts about earning His favor. Psalm 119 speaks of the importance of where we plant God’s Word.

“Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not sin against You” Psalm 119:11 AMP

The Hebrew word treasured here speaks about a protected place of security. We must be careful as to what things enter our heart. We often here the saying, “They have a real heart for that” regarding the activities and priorities of people. Many an athlete have trained for years to reach a single moment of victory. If you ask them the secret, they will almost always respond with, “The drive comes from deep inside!” Oh that we might have the same commitment and willingness to sacrifice for the Kingdom of God. 

Our psalm opens with a great promise from God that if our heart is right, He will respond favorably. The issue in this Psalm comes in the next verse.

“But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, My steps had almost slipped. 3For I was envious of the arrogant As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” Psalm 73:2-3 AMP

Our writer seems to have lost focus of the reality of God’s Word. The circumstances and situation seem contrary to what he knows about God. The issue at hand? God’s goodness versus the apparent injustice the writer is witnessing! When considering this promise, one must realize that it is more than just having “good thoughts and actions” to receive God’s goodness. The condition goes deeper into the intentions and attitudes of the recipient! Asaph wasn’t the only one to question the seemingly blessed condition of the wicked. 

“Why do the wicked still live, Become old, and become mighty in power?” Job 21:7

Job was a man singled out for God’s greatest blessings. Satan however claimed that he was only following God because of the blessings. When God allowed Satan to est Job great loss and suffering ensued. Job’s response? 

“Then Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head [in mourning for the children], and he fell to the ground and worshiped [God]. 21He said, “Naked (without possessions) I came [into this world] from my mother’s womb, And naked I will return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.”22Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.” Job 1:21-22 AMP

Clearly Job’s relationship with God wasn’t based on the blessings he received but the God that He knew! See the response? “Then Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head [in mourning for the children], and he fell to the ground and worshiped [God].” I am sure that he felt the pain and agony of all the loss, but he did not let it cloud his view of the God that loved him! 

If you read on in our Psalm today, you will find that the writer was only distracted for a moment. What changed his view? He worshiped!

“When I considered how to understand this, It was too great an effort for me and too painful 17Until I came into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood [for I considered] their end.” Psalm 73:16-17 AMP

What is your response when it appears that the “wicked are prospering?” Have you planted the seeds of His Word to take root deep in your heart? What have you built your foundation upon? Remember, we walk by faith, not by sight. That means that we trust fully in His Word and Ways even though we might not understand. Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken