Author: astherainandsnow

“O God, we have heard with our ears,
    our fathers have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days,
    in the days of old:
you with your own hand drove out the nations,
    but them you planted;
you afflicted the peoples,
    but them you set free;
for not by their own sword did they win the land,
    nor did their own arm save them,
but your right hand and your arm,
    and the light of your face,
    for you delighted in them.

You are my King, O God;
    ordain salvation for Jacob!
Through you we push down our foes;
    through your name we tread down those who rise up against us.
For not in my bow do I trust,
    nor can my sword save me.
But you have saved us from our foes
    and have put to shame those who hate us.
In God we have boasted continually,
    and we will give thanks to your name forever.” Psalm 44:1-8

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

“I will save them by the Lord their God. I will not save them by bow or by sword or by war or by horses or by horsemen.” Hosea 1:7

We love to be winners. Of the match, the contract, the job, the race, even someone’s notice, affection, or favor. And we hate to be losers, particularly in public, or with something in which we take great pride. But God’s view of winning and losing convolutes ours. His victory, that seems all but, makes way for the only winning worth living for.

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30

“’Death is swallowed up in victory.’
‘O death, where is your victory?
    O death, where is your sting?’

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:54-55,57

Jesus, whose stupendous victory was won through horrendous death, vanquished sin and doom. By His generous mercy, He imparts to us salvation over our foes. We can partake of God’s great performance in Christ when we sidle to the cross and rest in the light of His face. When many rise against us, He is taller and stronger still. Trusting His might becomes our strength, song, and very triumph. (Exodus 15:2)

What enemies taunt, and threaten to undo us? Do we quake in fear of weak helplessness and tremble at their terror, or grip God’s hand that rescues and disperses, plants and sets free?

“A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.” ~Martin Luther (1529)

Lord, may I trust and boast in You alone, for You have won and always do.

“And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:16-18

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:2-3

“O Lord, how manifold are your works!
    In wisdom have you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.
Here is the sea, great and wide,
    which teems with creatures innumerable,
    living things both small and great.” Psalm 104:24-25

A starlit sanctuary with vaulted sky welcomed me early, when little else was visible. Those white sparkle-dots of splendor glistened and twinkled, the Hunter and Big Dipper among celestial companions overseeing the break of another magnificent dawn. Then day pulled back its curtain to display dozens more stars, strewn on the beach. A word, a shape, a myriad of images in mind, more exquisite jewels from the Creator’s hands. Hallelujah, Bright Morning Star. (Revelation 22:16)

Many exquisites small and great we miss when we get preoccupied with lesser things. We feel the burden of great responsibilities, but miss the greatness of God’s faithfulness, His amazing works through history based on goodness and love that He continues today. We get fixated on minutae and obsess to be perfect in picky details, yet fail to see God’s intricacies in the beauty of starfish bumps, to distinguish a bird’s lusty melody, to squeeze for a long, loving moment that precious small child. We let loose a poison temper, caustic criticism, and bitter huffiness, yet savor not the scent of sweet honeysuckle or the pungent taste of fresh basil or the liquid slaking of cool fresh water.

What will it take for us to look? What need we adjust in thoughtless habit to give enough attention to see? Is our sight too thick with cataracts of ho hum, lusterless living, where we expect nothing supernatural and glorious? He who has low or no expectations is never disappointed- but oh, what bliss is afforded when our Heavenly Father exceeds tiptoe expectations for all He is and does! Many beauties does He constantly display, many intricacies of His craft, whimsy, love, and power. He sprinkles our path, and our days, with stars to behold, and it is up to us to look and wonder.

“All things bright and beautiful, 
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful, 
the Lord God made them all.

God gave us eyes to see them, 
and lips that we might tell
how great is God Almighty,
who has made all things well.” ~Cecil Frances Alexander (1848)

Lord, open my eyes, ears, heart, and mind to Your exquisite gifts each day, that my moments be littered with praise and gladness.

“Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?’  Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.  Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, ‘This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!’” John 6:5-14

Multiplication begins with Jesus. Start with a small group, add need, times hundreds more people and skepticism and supernatural power, and wonder abounds. Start with one test question, add doubt and figuring and commiseration, plus measured instruction, and chaos turns to order. Start with five barley loaves and two fish, add thankful hands raised, multiply by many hands distributing, and fullness with leftovers results. Jesus does all things well.

Jesus went about His work with intention and grace, His miraculous signs pointing to the deeper and greater things He came to do for man. We go about so much of our life hungry, and crowded in busyness, and not thinking about soul nourishment. Enter the Savior of the world. He sees us. He knows the longing of our hearts, and He knows- and is able to meet- our every need.

Why do we despair at our meagerness of ability, strength, or understanding when we have Almighty God on our side? Why do we think God is not able to manage our impossibilities? Why do we behave as if He were surprised at our trials? The Lord intentionally and lovingly gives such tests to undo our doubt, reorder our thinking, redirect our possibilities, press us to release what we have to Him, and open our eyes to His marvelous multiplication. (Romans 12:31-32; 1 Peter 4:12-13)

What dearth do we bemoan? Where are we lacking insight, stamina, hours, love for the unlovely, patience, vision, or hope? Would we bring our meager to the Master, and watch Him bless it, make more of it, and provide His plenty?

“O how great thy lovingkindness,
vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvelous thy goodness
lavished all on me!

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.” ~Jean Sophia Pigott (1876)

Lord, may I believe and bless You for Your astounding multiplication of my offering.

“And [the prophet] said to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.”’ And the king of Israel went to his house vexed and sullen and came to Samaria.

“Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab. And after this Ahab said to Naboth, ‘Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.’ But Naboth said to Ahab, ‘The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.’ And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because Naboth… had said, ‘I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.’ He lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.

“But Jezebel his wife came to him and said, ‘Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?’ He said, ‘Because I spoke to Naboth.., “Give me your vineyard…” And he answered, “I will not…”’ Jezebel said to him, ‘Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth.’

“So she wrote letters.., ‘Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people. And set two worthless men opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.’” 1 Kings 20:42-21:7,9-10,25-26

Ahab had no moral or spiritual compass. He swung to and fro on cocky and caprice, whim and greed, fancy and feeling. So when he got chastised and met with rightful judgment, his plans were disrupted, or things didn’t go his way, he grew sullen and vexed. Self-focus and ‘I’m first’ living often lead there, and make for widespread misery. (1 Kings 18:17; 20:34)

Sadly, Ahab’s brooding set in motion the destruction of innocents. His conniving wife took it and ran with its fuel to plot against the only God-fearing man in the story. Sullen and vexed twisted to manipulation and evil, resulting in the cruel death of Naboth. Imagine the horror and grief of his family, at the hand of their national sovereign. (1 Kings 21:12-16).

But, for the perpetrator, indulgence of self, feelings, and power does not happy endings make. Ahab got his immediate wanted result, but imaginably little happiness, and judgment in the end. (1 Kings 21:17-24)

Perhaps we are experiencing misery from past, or long-established present actions? Have we allowed the selfishness of sullen to take root, and used our vexation to manipulate others to meet our ends, only to find ourselves empty, dissatisfied, or alone? It’s hard to stop moody when ‘me’ is indulged. Opening up in genuine confession for Christ’s cleansing will free us from the tyranny of egotistical living to enjoy His abundance. (Psalm 51:1-12; John 10:10; Hebrews 12:15)

Good Father, uproot anything that is making for vexed and sullen in me. Empty me of self, and fill me to walk in step with Your Spirit, for Your name’s sake. (Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 5:18)

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope…

“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:1,12-17

In sovereign mercy, God reached into the rebel heart of a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent, and made him an apostle. Saul became Paul. One who had not received mercy became one who had, gloriously. And through that man, his transformation and ensuing ministry, God’s perfect patience and overflowing grace were put on display. (Acts 9:1-5; 13:9; 1 Peter 2:9-10)

We never know who is watching, who might hold past sins and unpleasant behaviors against our reputation, who might need a jolt of encouragement. When the Lord takes hold of our hearts and moves in, He should be visible for all to see. What do my countenance, disciplines, activities, and habits display?

Since the Lord’s grace has overflowed for me in faith and love, how amply are are these graces flowing forth from me? As He sanctifies and changes me with patience and care, am I displaying, in increased measure, His character, wisdom, and mercy to others? What mark do constant thankfulness and exalted praise to God leave on my daily interactions and efforts? What evidence do I leave in a room, a conversation, a business transaction, that I am no longer my own but His, a child who bears Christ’s name and nature? (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 2:20)

Consecrating ourselves to the Lord allows His beauty, power, and grace to abound in and out of us, so He is seen, desired, and magnified.

“Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.” ~Frances Ridley Havergal (1874)

O Lord, never to me, but to Your name be the glory, so all I encounter see Your steadfast love and faithfulness. (Psalm 115:1)

“Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

“But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

“Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

Paul took the nurture and development of Christians very seriously. He cared deeply about the churches he had planted, and the individuals who comprised them. It is evident from his heartfelt words that his passion and earnest prayer concern was for his spiritual children, that they would remain true to the Lord and thrive in their faith through hardship.

We come to know the Lord by faith, and spend the rest of our lives grappling with that faith as it pertains to everything else. Challenges buffet and poke, hurt and choke, and our faith is tested constantly. God saved us for His name’s sake, that He might make known His mighty power in every aspect and affliction of our lives. Will we just survive, or thrive? (Psalm 106:8; Ephesians 2:8-10)

Certainly there are seasons where we are grateful just to survive, when storms assail and we can only cling to Jesus our stronghold to carry us. Depleted, we cannot imagine reaching out to nurture another. But in the day to day, He invites us to thrive and to help others thrive by feasting on Him, enjoining His people, bearing much fruit, and serving His purposes. He causes distress, delivers with a blaze of glory, and urges us forward and upward in wisdom, faith, and holy affection. (Psalm 27:1)

Do we feel trapped in a loveless relationship, a hard work situation, too many heavy responsibilities? Are we barely surviving unexpected or long-standing pain, or antagonism, or rejection? The Lord enables us to abound in faith and fruit by His Spirit. (John 15:5)

Lord, inspire me to thrive in faith, whatever the circumstances, and to diligently, lovingly encourage others to do the same.

“The king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. And when they had made a circuitous march of seven days, there was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them…

“[Elisha] said, ‘Thus says the Lord, “I will make this dry streambed full of pools… You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.” This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord. He will also give the Moabites into your hand,  and you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree and stop up all springs of water and ruin every good piece of land with stones.’ The next morning,.. behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water.

“When all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, all who were able to put on armor, from the youngest to the oldest, were called out and were drawn up at the border. And when they rose early in the morning and the sun shone on the water, the Moabites saw the water opposite them as red as blood. And they said, ‘This is blood; the kings have surely fought together and struck one another down. Now then, Moab, to the spoil!’ But when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose and struck the Moabites, till they fled before them. And they went forward, striking the Moabites as they went.  And they overthrew the cities, and on every good piece of land every man threw a stone until it was covered.” 2 Kings 3:9,16-25a

Make a dry streambed run with water? Outwit and defeat a rebel king and his army? ‘Tis a light thing for Almighty God. The Lord knows our thirst, and He knows our battles. He is familiar with every want and enemy, small or large, and takes them all into perfect and measured account in His dominion. The small concerns of my life and the broad issues of world affairs are in the scope of His notice and the reach of His arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27; Jeremiah 32:27; Daniel 2:21)

How kind was the Lord to assuage their thirst first, to show His care and to restore their vitality. Then He turned that very tangible life-giving provision for them into a trompe d’oeil causing death for their enemies. He is creative, efficient, and always purposeful. He teaches us to trust His means as well as His ways, and to marvel in gratitude when He acts on our behalf.

Since these truths are ours for believing and appropriating, and examples abound of God’s faithful intervention and supply, why do we fret? What causes us to divert our eyes from the One who knows us intimately and rules the nations, and twist up inside with worry and obsessive need to control our environment? Relinquishing control is not yielding to disorder, but accepting God’s order, and trusting that He is far more able than we to bring about righteous, good ends.

Lord, keep me marveling at the light things for You that are huge lessons to me. May I trust and praise You for all Your ways.

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
    and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
    and her salvation as a burning torch.
The nations shall see your righteousness,
    and all the kings your glory,
and you shall be called by a new name
    that the mouth of the Lord will give.
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
    and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
You shall no more be termed Forsaken,
    and your land shall no more be termed Desolate,
but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,
    and your land Married;
for the Lord delights in you,
    and your land shall be married.
For as a young man marries a young woman,
    so shall your sons marry you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
    so shall your God rejoice over you…

“Go through, go through the gates;
    prepare the way for the people;
build up, build up the highway;
    clear it of stones;
    lift up a signal over the peoples.
Behold, the Lord has proclaimed
    to the end of the earth:
Say to the daughter of Zion,
    ‘Behold, your salvation comes;
behold, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense before him.’
And they shall be called The Holy People,
    The Redeemed of the Lord;
and you shall be called Sought Out,
    A City Not Forsaken.” Isaiah 62:1-5,10-12

Much is made of names in the Bible, with new names and lists and genealogies identifying individuals, all important to God. Today, many children’s names are drawn from preference and honor, nicknames are born in idiosyncrasies and silliness, but God’s names for us are rooted in His love and spiritual truth. What He bestows both humbles and secures, and can be worn with dignity and confidence. (Genesis 2:23; 17:5; 29:31-30:24; Matthew 10:2-4)

Once forsaken and desolate as enemies of Christ, we are raised up by our merciful God as a crown of beauty in His hand, royal children of the King, holy people redeemed of the Lord. He has sought us out and delights over us with singing, never to forsake. What wondrous love is this? (Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 5:8-11)

What old identities need shedding, what stones of soul to be cleared? Can I say the Lord delights in my private loves, as well as the way I treat loved ones? What unholy sins of heart- resentment, covetousness, or ingratitude- need repenting? To which habits do I act as though I’m still enslaved, although the Lord has freed me from them?

Are there areas of mind and action I try to hide, deceiving myself to think the Lord does not seek me out? He loves too much to let us stray. Would I return in confession and embrace His comfort, with confidence that He’ll always welcome and never forsake? (Psalm 139:7-12; Matthew 10:26; Hebrews 4:14-16; 13:5)

If I believe all His words true, how accurately, graciously, honestly, and robustly am I living out the new names He has bestowed? What action adorns their promise, what behaviors their blessing?

Good and Blessed Redeemer, may I live all You have named me with the glory and honor due You, whose name exceeds all others. (Philippians 2:10)

“Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it… [He] commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring [to the land of Shinar]… youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans… But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank… God gave Daniel favor and compassion…

“The king was angry and very furious, and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed… They sought Daniel and his companions, to kill them. Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion to the captain of the king’s guard… The mystery was revealed to Daniel… [who] blessed the God of heaven..:

‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
    to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
    he removes and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to those who have understanding;
 he reveals deep and hidden things;
    he knows what is in the darkness,
    and the light dwells with him...’

“‘Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble…'”

“When Daniel knew that the document [that whoever makes petition to any god or man except to the king shall be cast into the den of lions] had been signed, he went to his house.., got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously…

“The king cried out in anguish… ‘O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ Daniel said, ‘O king, live forever!’.. Then King Darius wrote… ‘I decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel,

for he is the living God,
    enduring forever…
    and his dominion shall be to the end.
 He delivers and rescues;
    he works signs and wonders…
he who has saved Daniel
    from the power of the lions.’” Daniel 1:1,3-4,8a,9; 2:12-14a,19-22; 4:37; 6:7,10,20-21,25-27

Who would think that a teenager captive in an enemy country would be able to make a lasting difference on godless kings? Yet, from the beginning of his exile in Babylon, Daniel determined to honor his God. This early decision and unwavering, fearless commitment kept him undefiled amid the new world’s enticements, and a brilliant witness for God in a heathen land. Through his steady example, and consistent dependence on the Lord rather than himself, Daniel was used to open the eyes of two pagan kings to the beauties and sovereignty of Almighty God, and transform them forever.

As the Lord used Daniel’s natural gifts and spiritual devotion to affect kingdoms, He gives us daily opportunities to influence our worlds. In workplaces, communities, and even families, we make distinct choices whether to bow to a godless status quo or not. We may never know who is watching, or listening, but the Lord wastes nothing offered in earnest to Him. His Spirit guides and guards our fidelity when we entrust ourselves to His providence. (Romans 12:1-2)

Where has God ordained that we witness to His greatness and glory?

Lord, keep me undeterred in faithfulness that the godless around me might exalt You. (Matthew 5:14-16)

“Truly God is good to Israel,
    to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
    my steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogant
    when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

For they have no pangs until death;
    their bodies are fat and sleek.
They are not in trouble as others are;
    they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
Therefore pride is their necklace;
    violence covers them as a garment.
Their eyes swell out through fatness;
    their hearts overflow with follies.
They scoff and speak with malice;
    loftily they threaten oppression.
They set their mouths against the heavens,
    and their tongue struts through the earth.
Therefore his people turn back to them,
    and find no fault in them.
And they say, ‘How can God know?
    Is there knowledge in the Most High?’
Behold, these are the wicked;
    always at ease, they increase in riches.
All in vain have I kept my heart clean
    and washed my hands in innocence.
For all the day long I have been stricken
    and rebuked every morning.
If I had said, ‘I will speak thus,’
    I would have betrayed the generation of your children.

But when I thought how to understand this,
    it seemed to me a wearisome task,
until I went into the sanctuary of God;
    then I discerned their end.

Truly you set them in slippery places;
    you make them fall to ruin…
When my soul was embittered,
    when I was pricked in heart,
I was brutish and ignorant;
    I was like a beast toward you.

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
    you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
    you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God;
    I have made the Lord God my refuge,
    that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:1-18,21-28

When the wicked prosper and tongues strut, we roil with envy and anger. Why do nations rage, the arrogant succeed, and the righteous suffer? When eyes linger on the world, we can slip into self-righteous cattiness and lash out in vociferous condemnation, not realizing we’ve fallen prey to the same behavior we abhor. It is a prideful heart that pities the pride of others.

But God mercifully interjects to redirect our focus and correct our affections. When I thought how– stop! Think! Discern! When I went into the sanctuary– go! Flee to Jesus! Sieze His perspective! While it’s wearisome to swim upstream when downstream runs fast and strong, it’s godly, right, and worth it. The Lord’s counsel loosens chains of bitterness and misery, clears our vision, and renews heart strength with divine blood. His portion satisfies like no earthly riches can.

Where are we boasting against others and a brute before God? What keeps us from entering God’s sanctuary and taking His hand?

Lord, when other tongues strut, cause mine to praise You.