Jessica, a good friend, and I were all recently catching up after a longer time of being apart. As is often the case these days, the time which had passed by had been very difficult and trying for both him and his family. As we talked, I could not help but see the remnants of the pain in his eyes. He is a dedicated, strong, and fierce warrior for Jesus. Yet, despite our strength, we are all human and we all feel pain. And his was evident. But I also could see something else. I clearly could also see his love and faith in Jesus shining through – which is a beautiful thing. So many folks out there are quick to place blame on God instead of falling back on God and leaning on Him for support.
Of course, Christians can feel anger and question God. God does not work within the bounds of weak human emotions and can handle it. One of the things I have learned about faith is that leaning on Him in our darkest times is what faith looks like. On that point, I could see this unwavering faith within our friend. It was a comfort to see, and I know it is something I will need to draw strength upon in the future. We all walk through darkness. It is the nature of this world in its current state.
Christians will be faced with darkness in their lives. And often, if we compare our lives to those who may not be Christian surrounding us – we may wonder why they seem to prosper while we do not. It is truly a test of faith to witness prosperity among those who do not walk with God while we remain faithful amidst our own struggle.
The key to understanding this lies within knowing that our lives are not lived for this life but, for the next. Jesus was often quite clear that we would face more difficulties because of Him and that faith is not a free pass to prosperity.
Here is one example.
(Luke 9:23-25) “¶ And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. {24} For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. {25} For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?”
Examining the concepts in Psalms 73
During our discussion, our friend brought up a more familiar Psalm of Asaph – Psalm 73 as an allegory to their situation. He sent a few of the verses as examples of where he went when at his darkest time. I really wanted to understand our friend, and I really was not too familiar with this particular Psalm – so I decided to read it and pray on what was there.
There truly is a lot to unpack in this 28-verse passage. It begins with a broad stroke. Asaph writes that “God is good to Israel”. But, “as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.”
(Psalms 73:1-3) “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. {2} But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. {3} For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
To me, this looks like he is examining his own path and seeing how he almost slipped off of the path that God had called him to walk. Asaph also notes his envy at those in the world who – on all fronts- appear to be doing better than him. In verse 3 he is “envious at the foolish” and notes “prosperity of the wicked”. Surely this is a modern human condition as well and there is much to learn from this. Namely that the character of God, the nature of this world, and the reality that the path of those who truly follow Him are almost always more difficult than those who walk the worldly path toward destruction. This is one reason that the “prosperity gospel” we see in many modern American churches can be so harmful. If you plant a seed of false doctrine, it will almost certainly bear rotten fruit.
Of course, those who are of the world are not always happy and prosperous. Indeed, there are many who are lost who are wrecked with unhappiness. There is no rule to being lost. But there is only one clear way to be saved.
Satan is good at leading us astray.
In examining scriptures, we can easily see why this is true. Satan is good at what he does and will attack or, withdraw according to what he feels will be the most effective course to our own demise.
Some folks will become lost at the provocation of various soulish emotions like Judas Iscariot did – who’s lack of faith gave into a chain reaction of doubt, regret, and despair. Jesus could and would have forgiven him.
There are still others who will fall into depression and never seek deliverance from the only one who can truly save us from it. Remember that God’s most faithful servants sometimes wished for death. They never gave in completely and God delivered them from this fate. While you live, eternal salvation through repentance remains possible. Look to Job, Elijah, David, and even Asaph in Psalm 73 when you are feeling your worst. Never forget! There is nothing too big for God to handle. Give it to Him!
There are many who fall into the rut of habitual sin and their own flesh becomes what they worship more than God. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 shows how long this has been a problem amongst this sinful world.
Others will worship their success and wealth like the lesson of the rich young man in Matthew 19:16-30
There are Biblical examples of each of these and more. The crux of the issue is always ultimately a rebellion against what God wishes – which is that we put Him first in our lives. The reward of eternal life is worth whatever trials and pain we face. We simply must remain faithful. In our faith, God will remain faithful to us.
Why would putting things of this world before God be bad?
God’s character has always been consistent. Even back in the Garden of Eden he demanded obedience from His perfect creation. It was in disobedience and rebellion, that created the chain reaction of sin that has corrupted this world.
Satan will do whatever he can to put ourselves, or other things in this world in our lives and have us place them at a higher importance than God. He is constantly tempting all of us – even the most devout Christian – into disobedience or other ongoing and continual states of sin and rebellion. We must resist. The warfare is constant. The closer we are to God, the more often we will be attacked. Yet, we will also be better equipped we will be able to fight back.
Back to Asaph
Let’s continue on. Asaph, like all humans, wonders in the face of his trials if he has gone through his own process of sanctification in vain.
(Psalms 73:12-16) “Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. {13} Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. {14} For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. {15} If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. {16} When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;”
Even in God’s immutable Word do we see that it is normal for flawed humans to have doubt in the path we walk. Yet…
When we come to God and are in communion with Him, we receive understanding, wisdom, and discernment. Our faith in Him will reveal his faithfulness to us. This is what a relationship looks like.
(Psalms 73:17) “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.”
Asaph goes further later on and explains how God has guided him through his darkest times, and that heaven with God is the ultimate goal and not earthly pleasures, treasures, or comfort.
(Psalms 73:21-28) “Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. {22} So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. {23} Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. {24} Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. {25} Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. {26} My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. {27} For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. {28} But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.”
We all can learn from this and the examples that the Bible puts in front of us. In the end, through the difficulty of life that all of us will face – it is the promise of eternal life in heaven with God that will keep us faithful and unwavering here on this earth.
If you look at the most lasting human creations…
As I often do, I like to tie in photography as an object lesson…
The day before the time of the conversation which inspired this post, I had to go up to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to train for a prison ministry Jess and I are involved with called Keryx. After the 12 hours of training, I grabbed a coffee at Biggby and did a few minutes of exploring to see if I could get a unique shot of the Mackinac Bridge.
Truly there is nothing man-made on Earth that is everlasting like God. However, there are lessons we can learn in comparisons. This passage reminds me of the strength of this modern marvel which is a testament to the power and dominion that humans do have over God’s creation here on earth. Mankind has accomplished much amidst our flawed and temporary existences here. Architectural achievements like this beautiful bridge last long beyond the life of the humans who designed and helped create it.
(Psalms 73:26) “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
This bridge continues to link two sections of land together and will do so long after everyone who created it have turned back into dust…
Let us look to God to be the bedrock of our lives which holds His church together and conveys strength and majesty in much the same way as we admire this bridge.
In this picture, I left the shutter open for a few seconds. Since it was a windy day, this allowed the motion of the reeds and plants to paint into the picture. Yet, the sturdy, steadfast bridge remains stoic and firmly planted in the background. Life moves and shifts much like the wind blows everything in the foreground of this image. Yet, through the seasons and changes, the bridge remains sturdy and faithfully strong. I pray all remain steadfast in faith despite the turbulence of this world. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. But let all your answers lead you to God.
I dedicate this image and post to our friend. May your faith continue to bring people to God and may your faith stand strong and proud as long as God gives you breath.
Mackinac Bridge – St. Ignace MI – Standing Firm
