Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Opening Scripture

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Psalm 73 (selected)

Opening Prayer

Gracious Father, Your Word says that we who follow the Lord Jesus are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who belong to You. You have called us out of darkness into Your marvelous light so that we may declare Your praises to this lost and fallen world. Help me to live today in such a way that others may know and glorify You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

Psalm 5

Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest.

But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple. Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make your way straight before me. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Reflection  

Apparently, King David had a lot of enemies who were spreading nasty lies about him. I guess vicious partisan politics can exist even in a monarchy. Despite the harshness of the lyrics, this morning song “for the director of music” is intended “for flutes” or pipes, which should soften the impact a bit.

In today’s passage, the Psalmist is pleading with God to hear his spoken words as well as his musings (Hebrew: hagig), the “whispers in his heart.” God can “hear” David’s unspoken groaning and lament – his “cry for help” – as easily as the words coming from his mouth. What a blessing to realize that our loving Heavenly Father knows what we’re feeling as well as what we’re saying.

The initial purpose of prayer is to orient ourselves properly before God. Though David himself is a king, he quickly submits himself to the Supreme Ruler, humbly and desperately asking for assistance. Who else can a monarch go to for help except “my God and my King”? He turns to God at the start of each day. David’s occupation as the king of a nation perhaps gave him a special understanding and appreciation for God’s occupation as the King of the Universe.

David presents this as his morning prayer. “In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” The word “lay” here (Hebrew: arak) means to arrange or set in order. In Leviticus, it describes the priest preparing the wood and animal sacrifice for the daily offering that is “an aroma pleasing to the LORD.”

Part of that “offering” is reminding God that David’s enemies are wicked, and God hates wickedness. In his prayer, David appeals to God’s holy character to make his case against those who want to destroy him. “They’re not just my enemies, God! They’re Your enemies, too!”

In contrast to those who are bloodthirsty and arrogant, taking pleasure in evil and telling lies, David doesn’t commend his own virtue or righteousness, but rather emphasizes God’s mercy and loving kindness toward him. He doesn’t fall into the “comparison trap” of arguing that being better than the wicked makes him good.

While David’s enemies are rebelling against God, David is taking refuge in God. He and all who love God are singing for joy to the Lord and trusting Him for protection.

Flourishing Habit

Flourishing Christians

If we’re honest, just like David, there are times when we want God to “judge” those we view as “wicked.” They may not be “enemies” spreading lies about us (or maybe they are), but we feel like God should do something about it. It can cause us consternation when the “righteous” seem to suffer and the “wicked” seem to prosper. It violates our (flawed) sense of “justice.”

That’s certainly the testimony of Psalmist Asaph (one of David’s choir directors) in our Opening Scripture. Asaph envied the prosperity of the wicked. It seemed to him that the ungodly had no problems at all. “They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.” Perhaps there was an “Entertainment Industry/Celebrity Worship” problem back then as well, even without social media.

Although we know that the rich and famous are often the most miserable people in the world, at times we want their “stuff” without their “baggage.” We imagine that if we won the lottery, we would handle it very differently.

Thankfully, Asaph eventually recovered a godly perspective. I love that he said, “it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God.” In God’s presence among God’s people, Asaph regained proper understanding and an eternal outlook. He acknowledged God’s sovereignty and mercy. He recognized the temporary nature of popularity and prosperity. He concludes Psalm 73 with the testimony, “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”

We need to remember: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God loves everyone, and His desire is for all to come to their senses, repent of their sins, and receive forgiveness and eternal life. God sees and knows what we don’t, and He wants us to trust Him and depend on Him.

“Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. Though while they live they count themselves blessed – and people praise you when you prosper – they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life” (Psalm 49:16-19).

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

Remember: Nothing changes until something changes!