Songs of Praise: Psalm 73

Let's continue in our reading with Psalm 73.
(Click on the link to read the song for today.)

It's Monday, and I can't help but think of the potential a week holds. Potential for good and evil, to hurt and be hurt. An entire week looms before us, and I wonder: Are you facing enemies? Do you wonder why the wicked seem to prosper and go about life without a care in the world?

The writer of this psalm doesn't appear to be much different than us.

This is what the wicked are like -- always free of care,

they go on amassing wealth.

Psalm 73:12

It's easy to dwell on... makes us bitter at its worst. The psalmist must have known this too. Because in the midst of the complaining something shifts.

Yet I am always with you;

you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

Those who are far from you will perish;

you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;

I will tell of all your deeds.

Psalm 73:23-28

There are times life gets us down, times when facing another week seems overwhelming. These are the times we need a shift, a shift of focus. The writer shifts his focus to his relationship with God and by the end, he is ready to tell the world.

What about you? What might happen if you shift your focus to God and tell the world?

I'll tell you what can happen. Somebody somewhere will experience Jesus for the first time through the words we tell. So let's get busy, let's go! The whole wide world is waiting...

Lord, remind me over and over of Your perfect justice

and of Your steadfast love.

I want to be near You, to know You as my refuge.

I don't want to dwell on those who seem to be

free from the consequences of sin.

Fill me with Your love for them.

Bless me with faith-full words to tell others

about You and Your love.