You don’t have to spend much time around kids before you hear the words, “IT’S NOT FAIR!” Whether it’s the seemingly uneven allocation of toys or the apparent inequality of punishments, kids have a strong sense of right and wrong, and they are not reluctant to tell you how things ought to be, sometimes accompanied by an indignant stomping of the foot.
As adults, we have grown out of tattling on our siblings (or most of us have, at any rate), but our sense of right and wrong persists. However, the more injustice we witness, the more we may start to wonder whether the good is worth pursuing. In Psalm 73, we see the psalmist struggling with this very issue. God is good to the “pure in heart,” we read in verse 1. But if that’s the case, why do the wicked seem to get everything they want? Why do they have an easy life as they act proudly, speak maliciously, commit violence, and get rich by cutting corners and exploiting the weak? Why do the right thing when those who do the wrong thing have it so good?
IT’S NOT FAIR!
When faced with this situation, we can be tempted in two ways. First, we can ask, if there are no consequences for doing evil, why not just do what we can get away with? Why not join the wicked in their schemes?
The other temptation is to try and use wicked means for a good end. “We need to fight fire with fire,” we say. Or, “We need to give them a taste of their own medicine.” Behind these words is the sound of feet slipping. Fighting evil with evil will not reduce the amount of evil in the world; it will only drag us into the pit the wicked have dug for themselves. The theologian Francis Schaeffer used to say, “The Lord’s work must be done in the Lord’s way.” In other words, the means by which we seek goodness are every bit as important as the end.
Instead of becoming cynical and embittered, we need to do what the psalmist does in verse 17: enter God’s sanctuary. When we worship God, He gives us a more full picture of Himself and, therefore, a more clear picture of reality. In worship, we are reminded that the prosperity of the wicked is only temporary. They will not get away with it forever. Stooping to their level, even if we tell ourselves it’s for a good end, is making a bargain with the devil.
We need our sight renewed. In worship we also see the truly innocent one, Jesus Christ, who resisted evil and suffered on our behalf. When we look at Him, we see how He went to the cross in spite of it seeming like a failure to the world and His own disciples. When we see that God Himself is our “portion forever” (v.26), it becomes clear that the wicked are not the prosperous ones. They are more worthy of pity than envy.
Written by Elliot Ritzema
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69 thoughts on "Psalms 73–76"
Funny, I was feeling like I was behind in my daily reading but I needed to read this today! God’s plan is greater than mine and he will shine a light to highlight what I need to see. ❤️✝️
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Man that quote hit home!!
Needed this today! It’s so easy to get caught up in comparison and envy and forget the blessings God has laid in front of us.
The Lord’s work must be done The Lord’s way. ❤️
As for me, it is good to be near God. As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.
Psalms 73:28 & 75:9
Thank you for the quote “The Lord’s work must be done in the Lord’s way.” and “Life isn’t fair, but God is!”
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I have the first 4 words of Psalm 73:1 circled in my Bible (NIV version) and if I could just rest in the truth of that all the time and not think about unfair, injustice and wickedness it would do me well. “Surely God is good”… No matter what is listed after, coming back to He is good, Sovereign and it is good to be near Him is always the place I should land. His presence is what brings clarity and understanding to this mess of a world we live in (vs 16), He is our guide and counsel (vs 24). I cannot rely on my heart to guide me (vs 26) it is only the Lord that can give good counsel and wisdom.
As we read through these Psalms today I am reminded that he is just and surely he is good…thank you Lord❤️
Lord, help me remember to go to Your sanctuary when I am struggling and feeling embittered. You are my portion.
My verse today is Psalm 73:26:
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.”
This verse reminds me that even when I feel weak or uncertain, God Himself is my strength and the one thing that truly sustains me ❤️
I love how the psalmist went to the sanctuary to remind himself what truly matters. Everything on this earth will fade away, but God remains!! God sees the big picture when I get distracted by all of the details.
“For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psalm 73:3). Envying of the foolish and the wicked, what a snare that we must check daily: “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world” ( 1 John 2:16). Their ease, comfort, riches, no pangs until death, fatness, effortless life, no trouble, having more than heart could wish, wearing their pride like a designer necklace. From the outside it seems like a whole package isn’t it? A big fat package of temptation. No thank you. On the contrast, what do we get? We face trials and refineries, discipline of the narrow road, the hard work of picking up the cross and dying to self. Sign me up, anyone lol? Yes totally sign me up. To be honest, anything that is worth doing is always difficult. Comfort and ease will get us nowhere. And GOD promised, “’My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours” (Luke 15:31). I always remember that promise when the Father spoke to the eldest son with his comparison issues. “Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him” (1 John 3:1-2). To have the status as a child of GOD is top notch for me. It is worth the trials. God is always testing the heart of men. He doesn’t just let us automatically go to Heaven the moment we receive JESUS, the moment we believe. Think about it, why doesn’t HE just simply rapture us the moment we receive Him to escape the trials on earth? He tests and tests the heart of men continually. To find out if it is hot, cold, lukewarm? Check our thermostat daily. We love comfort if we care to admit, but deep down we often admire the qualities that only come from struggle and sacrifice. Bless the Lord for He is good to us that we go through what we go through like silver be purified to burn the dross. He gives us purpose over ease and pleasure. He trains our hands for wars. And He brings us from strength to strength. May we check ourselves and embrace the holy purpose and the calling as a child of GOD in a time like this. Don’t fancy the lives of the wicked. Don’t drift in imagination and futile fantasies. Yes it is painful to watch, lest we fall into despair. I honestly don’t bother myself. Remember the parable of the rich fool, who boasts in his wealth and security, serving as an example of the pride of life, it is the arrogant, self-sufficient assumption that one can define their own life, relying on status or possessions rather than God. We know their end. We look at the cross, and we have the glorious example of the utmost humility and reliance on GOD even to submission to death, we see the Son of the GOD who came down on earth to show us the GOD who came to serve and not to be served- and that is greatness to me, only a true hero can do that.
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“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
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Guard your heart with ALL diligence for from it flows the issues of your life (Proverbs 4:23).
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Be blessed dear sisters.
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I actually made a list of all the things God says about me that Hosanna spoke of at the end of the podcast today- God used this for me at a time when I really needed to be reminded of who I am in His eyes, bc I carry labels handed me as a child all these decades later (most visible when I embarrass myself/miss a social cue/make a human mistake/feel like I will be rejected or abandoned bc I’m no worthy). I am in awe so often at how He uses SRT, our church message, aligned with His timely Word to communicate with me and reassure me of who I am, and who WE are in His eyes. ❤️I’m so thankful for this message this week!
Praise God, that is so good Patty. I’m glad you were able to receive it! I love confirmation from God, we only need to listen!
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It’s not the wicked that I find myself envying but other churches. I too often recently have been crying to God, “it’s not fair”…it’s not fair that those churches have so many volunteers, it’s not fair they have numerous gifted musicians and worship leaders – and the ONE and only that we have, you are taking away. It’s not fair you took away our children and left us with one. It’s not fair you took “those families” out of of our church to minister and serve at other churches and on and on… I hate that I say it or think it, but that’s where I am these days. I’m a little stuck and trying desperately to get out of this “it’s not fair” pit that I’m in.
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I know in my head that God sees, that He is in control and that He has a plan…it just has to make it’s way to my heart.
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Continued prayers for all your requests. ❤️
Sharon, I totally get it!!! We lost (moved on) our pastor 3 years ago this month. He’s serving differently, not a church and we did not take it well! We have been searching for 3 years and have an interim. He’s a nice man and care’s about our church, but we have lost so many members. Sunday mornings, our huge 200 yr old church looks empty. We plod on, but many times I’ve thought of looking elsewhere. It’s in a town we no longer live in and there is another so much closer. I hope things turn around for your church and mine. Hugs and prayers
I don’t know what denomination you are but is there a possibility of merging with another church or churches in your area? Just a thought. I hurts to hear how you’ve been struggling so long. I know God is for you and with you!
Praying dear Sister that God shows you a little of the next part of His plan.
Psalms 73:26. Makes me think of this: “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”
Psalm 16:5-6 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.16.5-6.ESV
He holds my lot, if God holds everything for me, then I should trust Him with whatever comes my way. He is all I need. If I don’t remember this, then I start grumbling and complaining. Aww, but that is why we go to His sanctuary to remember all that He has done for us! Thanking Him!
As a dear sweet Christian friend used to tell me when I was moaning about life not being fair-Life isn’t fair but God is! So put on your big girl pants and get over it! I have to remind myself of her quote over and over!
Thank you for all of your wonderful comments! Vi loved them all and I’m praying for all of our requests!
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Amen
Cee Gee, I too,loved how Elliot ended this devotional. “When we see that God Himself is our”portions forever, it becomes clear that the wicked are not the prosperous ones. They are more worthy of pity than envy.” Even when it feels like they are winning. I may not having everything, but I have everything I need! It’s all my Jehovah Jireh! SWEET SHE’s, My JESUS was with me yesterday! YES, He was!! He had favor in me! I go back to court on April 9 to finalize the divorce! I felt such relief!!! Also I have another court date on April 28 for the possibility of getting the place we once called home, SOLD. Out of time sweeties. Love you all!!!
Wow! Yea!
Such wonderful news Mari! Prayers will continue for God’s blessings over you and your family!
Praise God! I will continue to hold you up in my prayers for the future court decisions.
Praise God for showing you favor. Answer to prayer! ❤️
Great praise, Mari!!! ❤
Praise God for answered prayers!!
Oh, Elliot Ritzema, after teaching preschool for 21 years, I know very well the “It’s Not Fair!” mentality. And, unfortunately, the kids have rubbed off on me. Hahahahaha! Your words make me reconsider MY response to others.
Psalm 73:28 But for me it is good to be near God. I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. This is a good place for my mind to dwell today. As I draw near to God, He surrounds me and protects me. Then I can go out and tell others about all He has done for me! Blessings on your day, sisters. It just got light enough for me to see that we got snow. UGH! I’m so over winter and ready for spring!
Oh my! Where are you located, Jane K? The high today is 79 in NC. My skin is white as snow, however,so I am not ready for shorts or capris, haha!
jane, I just loled. our AC went out today and it is 80 degrees in SC. I am having a pity party over here for being hot meanwhile there are people with SNOW still on the ground..
The subtitle of Ps 73, “The Tragedy of the Wicked, and the Blessedness of Trust in God”, that by itself emphasizes where my focus should be – trusting in the Lord God in whatever circumstances and praying for the lost, even the most wicked.
An online thesaurus says this about wicked:
Wicked – bad, evil, corrupt, vile, guilty, abandoned, foul, vicious, worthless, shameful, immoral, scandalous, atrocious, sinful, heinous, depraved, debased, devilish, amoral, egregious, abominable, fiendish, villainous, unprincipled, nefarious, dissolute, iniquitous, irreligious, black-hearted, impious, unrighteous …
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When I say I’m praying for the lost, some/most of these adjectives are not the type of people that come to mind – fiendish, vicious, heinous to name a few – but all who need the Lord should be in my lost category, not just the ‘ordinary’ lost.
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LAUREN M praying as you walk through these hard times ❤️
ALAYNA P praying for you during this difficult time ❤️
MERCY ❤️ so much truth in yesterday’s comment, sister
TAMI ❤️
GWINETH52 ❤️❤️
WENDY B ❤️
RHONDA J ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
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My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.
No matter where I am, what I do, or how I am faring, may I always remember this with joy!
ELLIOT said, “When we see that God Himself is our “portion forever” (v.26), it becomes clear that the wicked are not the prosperous ones. They are more worthy of pity than envy.”
Amen! Those that think they ‘have it all’ really have ‘NOTHING at a!!’!
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SONG SHARE:
Ben Fuller – If I Got Jesus (Lyric Video)
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
⭐Mari, glad you felt the prayer support yesterday! ❤ Hugs!
Great song! You must be conquering again today ❤️
Right!? haha
Too funny, y’all!!! I actually did kind of conquer! haha ❤
Psalm 75
Jesus, thank you for taking the cup of judgment on behalf of me and my SRT sisters, so that we could drink the cup of blessing.
We sing praises to you for the immense sacrifice of love that you made for us.
Amen!!! Well said, sister! ❤
Amen
Amen❤️
Asaph nailed it. So many times in the last few years “Not fair” has been a refrain in my head. It can truly be a struggle to not be “embittered and my innermost being was wounded, I was stupid and didn’t understand; I was an unthinking animal toward [God]” (Ps. 73:21-22).
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Yet, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever (vs. 26).
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Brings to mind the song, “Strength of My Life” Sam Phillips ‧ 1984.
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ABIGAIL W – prayers for strength, courage, safety, and many divine appointments for your friend and her team in Liberia.
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MARI V – has Caleb found a new job?
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RHONDA J – has Stacey had her hearing yet?
Yes, that song! ❤️
Thank you, Kelly, for sharing this great song!
“And everyday I look to you
To be the strength of my life
You’re the hope I hold onto
Be the strength of my life” ❤
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Psalm 73:25-26
Amen ❤️
This was the verse that stuck out with me today as well. Such a simple message of love for Gd
These Psalms are so refreshing!
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I so often stick with the ‘comfortable slipper’ ones I have learnt by heart, and forget there are these that also could be part of the repertoire..
These Psalms, are so true to !ife, even now, we may not use this language, but for sure to translate what we are feeling or thinking would amount to exactly these from the heart words..
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How often have I thought “if only..” “If I could just..” because I felt I was missing out next to the ‘Jones’s!
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I have told this before, it’s not an envy story, but it is about those feelings when you think you lack..
My beautiful second grandson loved spending time with his Nanny. We played, we did gardening, but he loved most was baking the cookies with the cherry on to with Nanny!
As Christmas approached and I realised he had an obsession with tools, I thought I’d get him a tool kit! When I found one, I called his mum to say, excited that I’d could this kit, and said, she already got it. I found another saying a little boy could never have too many tools! She replied she had also got that one!
This was the case each time I called, she’d got it! I was now at a loose end, and it was Christmas eve, I didn’t have a gift for the little man. In sadness I bought him vests thinking he always needs vests!
I wrapped them in tears as I felt they were not on a par with the other grandparents present apparently he was getting an iPad!
After church I stopped off at their house, he was so happy to see me, I could just about see him, however, in a sea of wrapping paper. He jumped into my arms, asking whether I’d got him a present. With an ache in my hurt that I was about to be revealed as a miser, I handed over my flat packed vests. He asked me what they were, and I told him vests. He threw them into the sea of wrapping paper, saying he didn’t want them!
My heart was on its way to breaking when his next words brought me back to life..
” I just want Nannys cookies with the cherries ..”
Tears freely roll down my face at the memory of that little boys words..
I had baked cookies for my church friends to deliver at church, one family didn’t come to church so their box was in the car.. I said to him, ” I can do that” and went towards my car .. As I did, I heard him say to his daddy.. “Nanny is going to make me cookies with cherries on top in her car..”
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BUT GOD..
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You know, life has a way through God’s grace of showing you that ‘ALL THAT ‘ is nothing, means nothing in God’s economy..
HE is ALL we need.
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He WILL give us ALL we need.
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I guess my thinking was keeping up with my counterpart, was the done thing..
The lesson here was that I already had what my little grand needed, I did not need to ‘hassle’ or envy, or compare, or dream bigger than what I had, because I already had God the provider, Jehovah Jirah..
And I needed nothing more.
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AMEN..
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Good morning, Dearests.. Praying Numbers 6 :24-26 over you today..
The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD look upon you, dear sister , with favour,
And give you peace..❤
Much love, ❤❤
So sweet. Thsnks for sharing ❤️
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Great story, Tina, and so easy to picture! ❤
What a precious story – and a great reminder. Thanks!
Oh that’s a good one Tina! We strive to get those grands what will make them happy, but I learned with my own child the toys (that cost way too much) get thrown aside so quickly. So with my grands, I never got them “good” presents. I was just in such a sweet special way confirmed that I was doing it right recently when my 13 year old granddaughter wrote me the sweetest note for my birthday. She recalled all that she loved about me—and no, she didn’t mention any “stuff” she received from me, she said she loved me for the back tickles, trips to the painting store, always being there to talk to her when she needed me! Those are the important things, and even at 13 she knew this! oh my heart! I know God feels the same way…we can try to give him lots of stuff to please him, but he wants the special times together. And same, us not wanted the gifts from him, but his love.
What a sweet story and clear reminder❤️
Thank you for that story. I can’t begin to “compete” materially with the other grandparents. It’s good to remember what’s really important. <3
What a sweet story! Your grandson knew how much you loved him through baking cookies!
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How precious of a revelation. Thank you TINA. You always touched my heart with your dear stories.
omg I love this story. so sweet. makes me think of my Nana’s biscuits.