Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 1-138 Sunday 12 Aug 2001

Reading: Psalm 73 – WHEN THINGS GET OUT OF PERSPECTIVE

(From ‘Encounter with God’ Bible Reading Notes)

Reflect for a few minutes on ways in which God shows his love and care for you. Thank him again.

Have you ever come to the point where everything seems to be the wrong way round? We live in a world where people who have no interest in God and who live life without moral values seem to be happy, wealthy and successful. They do not appear to have any worries or troubles. They defy God yet nothing happens to them! So what is the point of trying to live as a Christian? Why don’t we just give it all up and get a life!

If you have ever thought like that, you are not the first, as this psalm shows. It is easy to lose sight of the really important things in life, and allow ourselves to be envious of people who seem to have everything. Looking back to a time when he felt like that, the psalmist wisely begins by reminding himself of the truth: God is good to those who are pure in heart (v 1). Then he describes how his thoughts had run away with him and he had begun to doubt the value of living for God.

What turned his thinking around again? It was going into God’s sanctuary and getting the bigger picture. Yes, these people seem to be doing very well now, but ultimately they will experience God’s judgement. To live in relationship with God now and for all eternity, is infinitely better than a life of wealth, success or fame without God.

When you find yourself struggling like this, the psalmist’s example is a good one to follow. Spend time in God’s presence, and let him realign your thoughts and sort out your perspective. The last part of the psalm (vs 23-28) is a vivid contrast to the earlier struggles (vs 3-14). Now the writer understands the truth, and his confidence in God has been restored.

Use verses 23-26 as the basis for your own prayer of confidence in God.

– Rosemary Linton

Copyright Scripture Union, 2001