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Daily Devotion: Psalm 73

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Psalm 73:1-3   A Psalm of Asaph.   "Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.  (2)  But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.  (3)  For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."

Today's writing might be a little different from other days. This Psalm tells the entire story of how quickly you and I can be plunged into a state of discouragement and despair. I believe one of the most used tools in Satan's toolbox is that of discouragement. And quite honestly discouragement is the offspring of selfishness. I know that is a hard saying, but I believe it's true. Discouragement comes when we do not get our own way. Discouragement comes when we place our eyes on others and the things they possess and enjoy. Discouragement comes when we begin to compare ourselves against others. Do you see what caused discouragement in the life of the Psalmist? "... my steps had well nigh slipped... for I was envious..." Believe me, Satan knows exactly how to feed envy and jealousy and then discouragement that follows. What is the antidote for all this?

Psalm 73:16-17    "When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;  (17)  Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end." 

This plainly tells us that we must keep our eyes upon the Lord. It was only after the Psalmist stopped looking at others and understood the value of God's love and fellowship that he stopped feeling sorry for himself. Yes, we all are prone at times to hitch up to the "pity post" and feel sorry for ourselves, but our Lord is the true remedy!

Think on these things..... 

Psalm 73:22-26    "So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Helen Howarth Lemmel

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
 
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
  In the light of His glory and grace.

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