In my Bible there are parts of almost every psalm marked with a highlighter pen, because some part of that psalm spoke to my soul. I’d like to share some of these nuggets of wisdom with you…
I randomly opened my bible to the middle of the psalms, and it opened at psalm 71:
“I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words.” v. 15
I am overwhelmed at what God has done for me, for He is truly my everything. God has turned me into a writer. I am not skilled with words. His Words burn like fire within me, and I must tell everyone who will listen what’s in my heart.
“My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection.”v.7
Life has thrown me some really sour lemons, but I didn’t allow it to make me bitter. Oh, I did at first…but things have changed, and I made the choice to draw my strength from the Lord. Knowing that only Jesus helps me carry my sour lemons… speaks volumes, and shows people that He can help them carry their lemons too.
Psalm 73 speaks about envy; this psalm tells of the prosperity of the wicked, and the earthly rewards of the unrighteous. I could have been the author of this psalm…
“For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seemed to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.Look at these wicked people-enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.” v. 3-5,12
Can anyone relate? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt like this. I’m sure you’ve had similar thoughts…thoughts like, “Here I am being faithful to God and all of this awful stuff is happening to me! Why even bother being good? It feels as though God has let me down.” But then, I happen to read this psalm; and it tells me that the wealth of the wicked suddenly loses its power in death, while the rewards for the godly suddenly take on eternal value. What seemed so appealing is now waste, and what seemed worthless now lasts forever… Is that very cool or what? Actually, we only have a small idea as to what is awaiting us ~ that’s the reason I cling to God’s Word. Happiness is temporary…Joy is eternal! Over the years I have learned that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Don’t wish you could trade places with evil, ungodly people to get what they have. One day they are going to wish they could trade places with you to get your eternal wealth.
“Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny! My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.” Psalm 73: 21, 23-24, 26-28