".Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure...(Ps. 73:13)."
Although not in these words, the individual in front of me was saying something similar. There was some anger in his voice, similar to the writer of this Psalm; who, apparently suffering some physical affliction (v. 14) and feeling somewhat oppressed (v. 8), was wondering why God would allow those who were giving him such a hard time, to get off without God doing something about it. The gentleman had tried to live right, obey God, and be a good father and husband. In spite of this, he was experiencing physical and emotional pain, hurt, and disappointment. And, some of that was aimed towards God. It just didn't seem just.
It sometimes appears that those outside of God's will are the ones who prosper, who are without struggles, healthy and strong, and "free from the burdens common to man (vv. 3-5)." "Carefree" is how the author describes their lives...until he stops to think from God's perspective (17). Then, he realizes their future destiny and how God will eventually dispense justice upon them for their arrogance and their pride. He was also reminded of how God was always with him (v. 23ff), holding his right hand, guiding and giving him counsel. At this, he changes his tune and remarks, "Being with you, I don't desire anything else on earth (v. 25)."
God doesn't mind the questionning, the angry emotions, the doubt and uncertainty. But, God is just. We may not see how it is just that He allows difficulties and trials, failures, and frustrations, and even oppression. He is willing to help us gain a perspective that will help us at times like these. It requires we come before Him with our concerns, as the Psalter did. "Authentic prayer is a scraping of the heart whereby the dregs of the soul are offered up to God (Foster, "A Year with God")." Prayer, at times like these, Foster says are for the strengthening and the reshaping of our own hearts. We need to be open to God's changing our perspective.
Although not in these words, the individual in front of me was saying something similar. There was some anger in his voice, similar to the writer of this Psalm; who, apparently suffering some physical affliction (v. 14) and feeling somewhat oppressed (v. 8), was wondering why God would allow those who were giving him such a hard time, to get off without God doing something about it. The gentleman had tried to live right, obey God, and be a good father and husband. In spite of this, he was experiencing physical and emotional pain, hurt, and disappointment. And, some of that was aimed towards God. It just didn't seem just.
It sometimes appears that those outside of God's will are the ones who prosper, who are without struggles, healthy and strong, and "free from the burdens common to man (vv. 3-5)." "Carefree" is how the author describes their lives...until he stops to think from God's perspective (17). Then, he realizes their future destiny and how God will eventually dispense justice upon them for their arrogance and their pride. He was also reminded of how God was always with him (v. 23ff), holding his right hand, guiding and giving him counsel. At this, he changes his tune and remarks, "Being with you, I don't desire anything else on earth (v. 25)."
God doesn't mind the questionning, the angry emotions, the doubt and uncertainty. But, God is just. We may not see how it is just that He allows difficulties and trials, failures, and frustrations, and even oppression. He is willing to help us gain a perspective that will help us at times like these. It requires we come before Him with our concerns, as the Psalter did. "Authentic prayer is a scraping of the heart whereby the dregs of the soul are offered up to God (Foster, "A Year with God")." Prayer, at times like these, Foster says are for the strengthening and the reshaping of our own hearts. We need to be open to God's changing our perspective.
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