We are moving into rainy season here in Hanoi. While the entrance to our apartment is very nice, the smooth steps and the smooth cement, when wet can be very slippery. The psalmist says that his "feet had almost slipped" and "I had nearly lost my foothold". I suspect he was using the picture of climbing a steep hill and starting to slide.
He uses this picture language to speak of losing faith; of questioning his loyalty to God. Why? Because he was noticing how good life seemed to be for those who paid no attention to God. They seem healthy, wealthy, care free and independent. They don't seem to suffer yet they live with no loyalty to God.
So it seemed that it was vain to live a morally pure life. Why be honest? Why be a person of integrity? It doesn't seem to make a better life. The life of the unbeliever seems better than the life of a committed believer.
The first half of Psalm 73 puts into words what many Christians in moments of discouragement or loss really feel. It is common yet also frightening to feel that your faith in God is slipping. What good is a life loyal to Christ?
In this and several other psalms, it is clear that the author is painfully honest with God. It is also clear that he regains the biblical perspective, the spiritual perspective, the long range view of life and eternity. Yes, those who ignore and/or oppose God may prosper; they even seem to have all that life offers. But that is only a sensual and momentary perspective.
A relationships with God provides much deeper meaning and deeper joy. The psalmist regains this perspective and writes: "And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25, 26
When you feel like you are "slipping" it may be you've lost an eternal and spiritual perspective. You need to get your eyes once again firmly fixed on the One who has gone ahead of us. Hebrews 12:1 -3
He uses this picture language to speak of losing faith; of questioning his loyalty to God. Why? Because he was noticing how good life seemed to be for those who paid no attention to God. They seem healthy, wealthy, care free and independent. They don't seem to suffer yet they live with no loyalty to God.
So it seemed that it was vain to live a morally pure life. Why be honest? Why be a person of integrity? It doesn't seem to make a better life. The life of the unbeliever seems better than the life of a committed believer.
The first half of Psalm 73 puts into words what many Christians in moments of discouragement or loss really feel. It is common yet also frightening to feel that your faith in God is slipping. What good is a life loyal to Christ?
In this and several other psalms, it is clear that the author is painfully honest with God. It is also clear that he regains the biblical perspective, the spiritual perspective, the long range view of life and eternity. Yes, those who ignore and/or oppose God may prosper; they even seem to have all that life offers. But that is only a sensual and momentary perspective.
A relationships with God provides much deeper meaning and deeper joy. The psalmist regains this perspective and writes: "And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25, 26
When you feel like you are "slipping" it may be you've lost an eternal and spiritual perspective. You need to get your eyes once again firmly fixed on the One who has gone ahead of us. Hebrews 12:1 -3
No comments:
Post a Comment