Psalm 73

Last Sunday, our church elder, Elder Keng Yiak preached a really good message from Psalm 73.

2 But as for me, I almost lost my footing.
My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.
3 For I envied the proud
when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
4 They seem to live such painless lives;
their bodies are so healthy and strong.
5 They don’t have troubles like other people;
they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.
6 They wear pride like a jeweled necklace
and clothe themselves with cruelty.
7 These fat cats have everything
their hearts could ever wish for!

I see people climbed up the corporate ladder faster than me. I see people get something I want so badly... easily.. and worse part is, they don't even value that something that was given to them. I see people who did bad things to me, living colourful lives. In general, I find myself looking at others, spotting all that they have, which I don't have... and ENVY them, and start to lack self confidence.

16 So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.
But what a difficult task it is!
17 Then I went into your sanctuary, O God,
and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
18 Truly, you put them on a slippery path
and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.
19 In an instant they are destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors.
20 When you arise, O Lord,
you will laugh at their silly ideas
as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

It is never an easy task to try to understand why... "those people" prosper. -_- It's so bitter I must admit. But God says in verse 17, I went into your sanctuary, then only we will understand, we will be set free.

21 Then I realized that my heart was bitter,
and I was all torn up inside.
22 I was so foolish and ignorant—
I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

When I was foolish to think so lowly of myself compared to others.... when my heart was bitter comparing with others.. oh no.. I must be so ugly... like a senseless animal..

23 Yet I still belong to you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
leading me to a glorious destiny.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.

Yet God still call me his daughter, his creation???!!! Not just that, He went on to promise that he will guide me and lead me to a GLORIOUS DESTINY. Only when we enter the sanctuary of God, and be set free, and follow God's calling, we will fulfil our destiny, and God says it is a glorious destiny. Isn't it beautiful? :)

26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.

God knows we're mere human... He knows we cannot do it by our own strength.. and He promise and He will remain the strength of our heart.

In 2011, I want to learn to set my eyes not on man, but to set my eyes on Jesus, whose grace and mercy endures forever. Beautiful, beyond description. I want to be set free and be confident being God's masterpiece. Chin up! :) May 2011 be a year full of God's glory! :D