My Journal and Diary
2022
January
Saturday, January 22nd, 2022
Getting Away With It
When I was a boy, I remember a common part of Sunday night church was something called “personal testimonies.” Volunteers would stand and share how God had worked in their lives. If they were eloquent, then the congregation would feel encouraged by the description of their struggles and faith. It can be wonderful to hear of how God has shown his faithful, loving hand in others' lives.
As I ponder Psalm 73, I am reminded of these old-time testimonies. This psalmist doesn't honey-coat his struggle! He confesses his jealousy toward the ungodly, since they seem to get whatever they want! He envies their strong bodies, their ever-growing popularity, and the cunning way they seem able to deceive without consequence. These people have no shame, and their wealth just keeps growing.
As he continues to complain, guilt starts to creep in. How dare he think this way, with all that God has done for him! Perhaps he is a teacher, responsible for encouraging faith in others, for verse 15 says to do so would be false to the circle of children.
So, he goes to the temple. There he realizes that the wicked are on slippery ground. They will, someday, face ultimate destruction. Despite outward appearances, they are not "getting away with it."
He confesses his bitterness toward God and realizes he had been ignorant and self-centred, like an animal without sense; he knew, even in that state, that God was still honourable to him.
What a lesson. We are welcome before God even as we complain. There is a place for us, in his presence, despite our selfishness. He ends with praising God, since he has truly so much to be thankful for!
Brothers and sisters, life often is unfair, and evil people do seem to get away with their behaviour for a little while. However, serving God lasts forever, so consciously summarize all you have to be thankful for, and live out a life of faith.
Amen!