The writer of Psalm 73, Asaph, was able to evaluate time in the light of eternity and earth in the light of heaven. He looked at godless people and said, “They have more than heart could wish” (v. 7). But later he reverses that conclusion and realizes that because he has God, he has everything.

The ultimate test of life is death. We will die, but will have God as our portion forever! Our verse for today (see below) is the Old Testament version of Philippians 1:21—“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” It is also a reminder of what missionary martyr Jim Elliot said: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Having the right values is a matter of life and death.

Psalm 73 teaches us some valuable lessons. To begin with, it encourages us to walk by faith and not by sight. God’s Word is true no matter what our circumstances might look like. It also encourages us to get the “long view” of things and not to abandon the eternal for the temporal.

Most of all, Asaph reminds us that we need to spend time with God in worship and spiritual evaluation. We need to live “with eternity’s values in view,” and this comes from fellowship with the Lord. God’s promises become real to us as we grow in our relationships with Him.

*Verse for today*: “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).

*Also read*: Psalms 37; 73:24-28; Proverbs 24:1-2; Matthew 16:26; 21:41.

*Action assignment*: When good things (like great fortunes and fame) happen to bad people, do you envy them? Or do you criticize God for blessing them and withholding from you? If so, ask God to forgive you and help you gain a fresh perspective as Asaph did. His faith increased so that he ended his psalm by declaring God’s wonderful works. Write your own psalm which states any envy or criticism you might have, followed by your praise of the God who does everything right.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in
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