Psalm 73

Psalm 73 

3 

For I was envious of the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…

5 

They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind…

13 

All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence…

16 

But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,

17 

until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end…

19 

How they are destroyed in a moment…

28 

But for me it is good to be near God…

Comparing yourself to others is dangerous. This chapter is all about how the Psalmist almost caused his own destruction because he was coveting the lives of others. He looked at those who weren’t following God and they were able to do whatever they wanted, seemed to be happy and successful, and nothing bad ever seemed to happen to them.

We do this too as Christians. Sometimes its not easy following God, so when we do and things don’t go the way we planned, we look at others and begin to compare. Others, that didn’t do things the right way, seem to be better off than we are. They seem to be having more fun. They appear more successful, wealthier, or more popular.

It can be tempting to want to be like them. It was for the Psalmist in this chapter. In verse 13 he actually thought that he lived a pure live in vain. But as he goes on, it says in verses 16 and 17 that he tried to understand how the wicked could possibly seem to be so happy and successful. He could not understand until he ‘went into the sanctuary of God.’ In other words, until he sought God, he was jealous and bitter. Are you living in comparison to others? Seek God for perspective!

Once he sought God, he saw that the wicked were destroyed in a moment; they were approaching their ruin. In comparison, he saw that God was going before him, guiding and guarding his steps. He ends the chapter saying that it is good to be near God. It can be hard to live for Christ. Despite striving to follow God and do the right things, sometimes things appear ‘unfair’ or better off for those who live for themselves. But remember, there is no comparison. Christ is our hope. Without him, other people are in trouble, embarking on ruin.

1 Timothy 6:6-7 But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.