Greetings Dear Ones,
Tonight’s message is different than any that I have done before. The other day, during my daily Bible studies, I read Psalm 73. I was given a strong intuition to share this with you tonight. As you read this close to the anniversary of the New York terrorist attack in 2001, we are reminded of the evil in the world.
I am often asked, “Why does God allow evil in the world.” The basic response is because we are given the gift of making willful choices… and there’s been an accumulation of results due to the innumerable number of choices being made by billions of people for thousands of years. Without God’s boundaries and promises, I am sure we would have destroyed the human race long ago.
Psalm 73 addresses another problem that many of you have surely grappled with during your life. Why do wicked and arrogant people seem to excel why those who choose good are struggling? First, we need to take into account that just because a person is successful, that doesn’t mean they are happy or right with God. Addictions, sexual immorality and suicide run rampant in those circles, as well.
Psalm 73 offers us something to contemplate when we compare ourselves to others and feeling like we fall short or find ourselves judging those who are materially more secure. Like many of the Psalms, although written 3,000 years ago, the message is still relevant today. Enjoy in joy! Theresa
“Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
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. Therefore, pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits.
They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore, their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?”
This is what the wicked are like—always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.
If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
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.”