The Temptation of an Upside-Down World
Amid an upside down world I find strength and peace in Psalm 73. The author admits the allure of power, wealth, and prestige sans God are powerful, and seemingly rewarding. He confesses that he almost succumbed to jealousy and covetousness for the trappings of those who attempt to replace God with power, wealth, and prestige.
He noted the faithless, sensing their superior position, mock the godly, and scheme among themselves how to suppress, minimize, and extort them. In their hubris, they speak against God, denying His existence.
He wondered if he should have abandoned his principles, and joined the cacophony of those who seek power, wealth, and prestige. After all, they seem at ease, and wealth seems to accumulate for them with little effort. And, the psalmist expressed angst, and likely anger, at the hubris of the ungodly persecutors.
Yet, he knew to join their company would have been a betrayal of other God-fearers, and a betrayal of his own relationship with God. The company, entire, of God-fearers need to stand firm in the presence of their, and God’s, enemies, despite the travails, persecution, and ridicule they may receive.
The psalmist spoke of going into the sanctuary where he remembered God’s promises to those who fear Him: God will not be mocked, nor will he abandon those who fear Him. Continuing, the psalmist gathered strength from God’s real presence in his life. God is our refuge.
Like the psalmist, we need not succumb to the allure of power, wealth, and prestige of the ungodly. We must ensure we remember God is our strength. Our anger over the godless, and their machinations, must remain righteous.