Sunday, August 23, 2009
We'll be studying the story of Asaph in Psalms 73, a guy who was very discontent with his lot in life, so much so that he almost stumbled and fell from his faith.
Anyway, lets get down into it..
How many of you know what karma is? Or retribution?
Maybe even Galatians 6:7-8, which states that: whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the spirit will of the spirit reap everlasting life.
So why doesn't God keep his own rules?
Many a times, we wait and wait and wait, doing what is expected of us, and hoping to get what we deserve in return. We study, we run the race as best as we can, but somehow, we always seem to 2nd place, or, even last place. Why can't we seem to get first place? And then we turn to God and question him, asking why it is that we're not the first, and, if he really is such a great and awesome God, then why is it that we, the faithful, are getting last place, while others seem to get first without even having to try? And then we get tired of it all, sick of God maybe, having to keep on waiting.
But the thing is, God doesn't want to give you earthly rewards for your faithfulness. Why would he want to give you these when all that'll happen is that they'll fade away? Why would he give you something that won't satisfy when he can give you heavenly rewards, things that will never pass away while the Earth perishes? Why would he give you temporal happiness instead of everlasting joy? We expect our rewards to be in this life, but many times, we forget that God is a supernatural person who works in supernatural ways and who can see beyond points that we can.
Now, I'd like you guys to take some time off, and write down an instance in which you felt that life was really unfair, and, try as you might, there seemed to be no improving the situation. And that, when you turned to God, it just seemed like he wasn't there. A time, when you felt very spiritually dry, and tired with God..
Finished? Just hang on to that piece of paper thingy. =)
We'll be needing it.
Psalms 73:1 Truly, God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Why is verse 1 so different from verse 2?
Asaph is saying this after reflecting on all the things that has happened in his life, reflecting that after all, God has indeed been good to him and those who are pure in heart, even though he had been through some really tough times where he had almost lost his faith.
There is a saying: Life must be lived forward, but unfortunately, it can only be understood backwards.
Can you clearly see what God is doing in your life at this current point of time? It's very difficult, and interpreting it will be very tough... ...
What about looking back? Can you see the wonders of God in your life, how he's laid the foundations for you to be who you are today? I'd say that's much easier.
1) It is foolish for us to try and comprehend God's plan in our lives, and if we do, we might become cynical and lose faith because we do not understand.
2) Instead, we could try to look back, and see how God has paved the way for us to become who we are today, and take heart.
Take a look back at the piece of paper you wrote on just now and see if God has changed you in anyway, moulded you to help you to be who you are today. Oh and don't throw it away!!! We still need it..
In verses 2 and 3, we see that Asaph, when he was in his present state, thought that his complaints were justified, but he acknowledges later on that he was envious, and he was that the complaints were really a trap, a dangerous temptation to defect and fall away.
When he was reflecting, Asaph showed an important quality: That he was Honest with himself and with God. He admits that he was envious, and because of that, he almost lost his footing.
Be careful of where envy can lead you, as it is subtle. It comes silently, and can take you over with silent whispers in your ears. It seeks to possess others' things, and, if uncontrolled, can lead to gossips, lies, and hurts. Especially be careful once the object of obssession overtakes everything else you view in life, as it too can become an idol and replace God as number one in your life. Don't lose sight of God!!
With that, Ill leave you with 1 verse..
Psalms 94:18 When I said "My feet are slipping", your mercy, O Lord, continued to hold me up.
Bring the piece of paper you wrote on next week!! (:
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxOX
-> Joel
what we could have been, 5:41 AM.
