Psalm 73: Life is not fair, says Asaph. Like him, we often look at life through our natural eyes rather than with an eternal perspective. When that occurs, we can only see what lies before us and forget what lies ahead. It began in the Garden of Eden and is alive and well today. Asaph pondered what to do:  73:15 “If I had publicized these thoughts, I would have betrayed your loyal followers.” Translation: I would become a stumbling block! Today:  How often do we share via prayer requests our struggles without considering what those might do to a young believer’s faith? Asaph then entered the precincts of God’s temple and came to the sobering reality that first, he harbored the sin of envy for which he needed cleansing. Then he pondered the consequences of being a stumbling block to others, so wisely he sought the counsel of God.  It was when he saw front and center the awesomeness of God that he saw the reality: I/We are here for one purpose: to behold His beauty and to worship Him in all of His fullness.

There is a praise hymn that seems to sum up our thoughts for today: “In the presence of Jehovah, God Almighty, Prince of Peace, Troubles vanish, hearts are mended, in the Presence of the King. Through His love, the Lord provided….