April 10, 2021 – Psalms 72-76

A series of psalms by Asaph, of the tribe of Levi and a singer/musician. How honest are his words as he wrestles with his feelings toward those who have prospered by their wickedness: “For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (73:3). I suppose all of us, at one time or another, experience this envy. But how dangerous is envy to us! Solomon understood: “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30).

What is the solution? Even as Asaph fought his envy, he arrived at the answer: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (73:25,26). That is, he would turn his eyes away from the objects of his envy and look at God. And so we must do as we rest in our Savior who has given us all we need both for this life and the next.

I’m satisfied with Jesus, He’s everything to me;

He saved my soul from torment, and awful misery;

He gave me peace and gladness, yea, more than I deserved,

And since my Savior found me, Him I have gladly served. –E. G. Masters