Psalm 73:1-4 – “Certainly God is good to Israel, and to those whose motives are pure.  ² But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my feet almost slid out from under me.  ³ For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked.  ⁴ For they suffer no pain; their bodies are strong and well fed.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, Psalm 73 became my focal point of meditation.   In it, I was drawn to consider a not uncommon condition experienced by many, if not most, people: the questions about life, fairness, and God.

In our heads, we readily acknowledge the opening decree of the Psalmist.  “Certainly, God is good to Israel, AND to those whose motives are pure.”   The goodness of God is a foundational tenet of Christianity.   We confess that even if we harbor questions about His willingness to be so to us personally.

The flawed mindset of the Psalmist is not uncommon for many believers if or when we focus on what we see rather than God’s precepts.

He said, “I almost lost my faith because…”    Because is the cause!  He said, “I envied the proud (wicked, non-Christians) because they were prosperous.   They were not facing the trials (visibly) that he was facing.   Most have done that.   We have said, “Look at them; I’m trying to live right and have endless problems.  They live wickedly and prosper.  They aren’t sick and have plenty.  It is not fair!”

It got so bad that the Psalmist concluded verse 13, “Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle.”     In verse 14, he laments, “I suffer all day long and am punished every morning.”   I do right; don’t drink, cuss, chew, play around, lie, steal, or cheat, and what does it get me?   If people knew what I truly thought, they would consider me a traitor.  I’m discouraged and ready to quit.  It’s not fair.  Why me, Lord?

In verse 17, something transformational happened.  He encountered God in God’s house.   In light of the revelation of the Word, the light came on inside his heart and mind.   He understood that there is truly a payday someday, and what we reap, we will sow.   He understood that even if, in this life, he endured difficulty, an eternal reaping and harvest was coming.

In verses 22-28, we see his revelation and deliverance.   His faith was restored, and his thoughts were transformed.   He said, “I was ignorant and lacked insight.”   If we focus on what we see and the perceived inequities of life, we will also become discouraged, blind, and lack insight.  We will lose our confidence and faith.  It’s not what is happening to another, but who God is that must hold our hearts and minds.

He realized that God is always with him, guiding him, and his eternal destiny is in God’s hands—the God who does not fail and whose love is unfailing.

He cried out, “My flesh and my heart may grow weak, BUT GOD always protects my heart and gives me stability.”    That is what Paul learned in his ability to be content in God, no matter what.

In verse 28, he makes the declaration that we need.  “But as for me, God’s presence is all I need.  I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter (abode, hiding place) as I declare all the things You have done.”  An attitude of gratitude is always expressed, never silent.  It overflows from the heart to the lips.

If we focus on God, we realize that He never fails.  We realize that our relationship with Him is uniquely personal and has nothing to do with what is happening to other people.

Look to God, care about people, but never compare yourself to anyone else, and never equate their seeming blessings and ease as a sign of special favor or God’s unfairness.    Life is complicated.  Don’t complicate it more by focusing on people.   They do not control your eternity.   But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.    God is never unfair or unjust, and He never fails.

Focus on God and enjoy this beautiful day!