Psalm 73:2–3, 13–14, 16–18

"But as for me, I almost lost my footing.
     My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.
For I envied the proud
     when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?
     Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?
I get nothing but trouble all day long;
     every morning brings me pain.
So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.
     But what a difficult task it is!
Then I went into your sanctuary, O God,
     and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
Truly, you put them on a slippery path
     and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction."

 

 

The Psalmist had a problem. He could not understand why the wicked prospered, while he got nothing but trouble for all his attempts to live a godly life. He was only able to gain perspective when he meditated on the issue from God's perspective, when he took the long view. The eternal perspective of God's big and full plan is the only way to make sense out of this life. What issue gnaws at you spiritually? Where can you go in Scripture to get God's eternal perspective on it? Don't forget worship as another avenue to connect with God's perspective.

—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions