The View from the Driver’s Seat

Psalm 73:16-17

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.

I have had the pleasure of teaching five girls to drive. Some might say that the word “pleasure” is not very accurate. I would say that “perspective” was the main goal. Not only was teaching the rules of the road necessary, but probably the most important aspect of driving is perspective. You can be knowledgeable about every rule of the road and be able to recite them audibly, yet still be a horrible driver. It is only when you gain perspective of your surroundings and others in their vehicles that you become a great driver.

Asaph is the noted author of Psalm 73. He was the chief singer for David. Noted times in the Old Testament, the kings would have the Psalms of David sung out loud or read to them. You can find those references in Chronicles and Nehemiah. You can almost see, in your mind, the king soaking up the prayers of David in song form and gaining perspective of God and Israel in whatever situation Israel was in.

Oftentimes we look around and see the world around us prosper. We might even see wickedness and its prosperity and wonder, “Where in the world is God?” If we are not careful, we can become bitter and resentful toward God because all we see is the wicked prosper. Verses 10–11 give us a cross-section of a heart that has turned bitter. It reads, “And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. ‘What does God know?’ they ask. ‘Does the Most High even know what’s happening?’”

Asaph then went to the house of the Lord, and it was only in that place where he understood their final destiny. If you have not already done this, you should, get a God perspective on life! Without this, you will never see the hand of God in your life. Just like being able to recite all the rules of the road does not make you a good driver, walking through life without a God perspective will only make you see the wickedness around you. Before long, you will start to relax your Christian ways and begin to justify the same wickedness you once frowned upon. Below is the last half of the chapter, and it is a prayer we should all pray every day. Perspective can change everything.

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

27 Those who desert him will perish,
for you destroy those who abandon you.
28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,
and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Prayer: Father, help us not to become clouded and confused when we see the wicked prosper. I pray that we focus on You and You alone, and make You our shelter. Give us strength to tell everyone about the wonderful things You do. In Jesus’ name, amen.