Does it ever cause you to question God when you see endless suffering in this world? Or when you see injustice play out in your own life or the life of other innocents? Certainly, you are not alone in the questioning. And in this week’s devotions you’ll have an opportunity to dive into the many writings of those who also had these questions, beginning today with Psalm 73. It is written by Asaph, a Levitical musician and singer in the time of King David. He is mentioned in the Chronicles as one of the chief musicians appointed by David and observed firsthand the suffering and injustice that surrounded God’s people.
For consideration as you read:
Asaph is exploring the seeming prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. Consider the ways you observe the same in our culture today.
Scripture: Psalm 73:1-12
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.
Grab your Bible, a journal, and a pen to reflect on what God is teaching you through this section of scripture. Here is the format that we will follow:
Be Still: As you read, write out the Bible verse or verses that stick out to you most.
Abide: What truth can you learn? Are there any principles or commands present? What is the overall theme of the text?
Adore: What does the text reveal about God and His character?
Apply: How does this Scripture apply to your life today? How does the truth of God’s Word change your daily perspective? How can you live differently in light of this truth?
Pray: Pray God’s Word back to Him. Turn these thoughts into prayer. Ask the Lord to show you how to meditate on and apply this Scripture to your life.
