The Psalms have brought tremendous comfort and guidance to so many for so long. Join me in taking a fresh look at each Psalm. As you read through them, I urge you to reflect, pray, and apply these devotional bits of encouragement to your own life. Today, we study and reflect on Psalms 73, 74, and 75.
Reflection 1
One of the many things I appreciate about the Bible is that it does not sugarcoat things. We read about the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is real to life. Here, Asaph shares a common human feeling. “Why do the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer?” No doubt you have wondered the same thing. I know I have. Since God is just, wise, and kind, shouldn’t it be the other way around? Shouldn’t the righteous prosper and the wicked suffer? Well, life is not always fair. One day, God will settle accounts and balance the books. This life is just a part of the story. It is short when compared to forever in the life to come. One day, God will reward the righteous and judge the wicked. So, for now, remember what Asaph says in verse 26 and persevere in living for God and serving Him. Always remember that your faithfulness will be rewarded. Know that, in the end, righteousness will be rewarded. Keep the faith, even when things don’t always make sense. God is good, wise, and just. One day it will be clear.
“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold, for I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” — Psalms 73:2-5, 26
Reflection 2
The amazing miraculous event that inspired the faith of God’s people in the Old Testament was the parting of the Red Sea and the Israelites’ escape from Egypt and bondage. Over and over, they would look back and remember. For us, there is even a greater miraculous event that inspires our faith: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ and our escape from bondage to sin and death. Remembering the greatness of our God, His mighty power, and His love is something we must do over and over. It builds our faith and inspires our souls!
“But God is my King from long ago; he brings salvation on the earth. It was you who split open the sea by your power. — Psalms 74:12-13
Reflection 3
Remember today that God is near you. You may face serious stress, fear, uncertainty, anxiety, aloneness, or discouragement. You may even experience all of the above at once. There are times when life is hard and times are tough. We try not to worry. We work on not letting discouragement win. We try to overcome. Maybe that is where you are today. You are not alone. God is near you. He is in you and with you always. He knows your needs and bears your burdens. He cares about you and loves you deeply. He is your firm foundation, and even if everything around you is difficult, God will stabilize, strengthen, and comfort you. He is never far away. He is always near to you!
“We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.” — Psalms 75:1, 3