Bible

We Know Where the River Ends

Desert Riverbend

A simple observation from Psalm 73. Asaph is struggling.

____________ Truly God is good to Israel,
_________________ to those who are pure in heart.
____________ But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
_________________ my steps had nearly slipped.
____________ For I was envious of the arrogant
_________________ when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (Psa 73:1-3)

From a skewed perspective, Asaph laments “the good life” of the wicked (Psa 73:4-12).

They have no pangs until death. Their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are. They are not stricken like the rest of mankind. Pride is their necklace. Violence covers them as a garment. Their eyes swell out through fatness. Their hearts overflow with follies. They scoff and speak with malice. Loftily they threaten oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens. Their tongue struts through the earth. They are always at ease. They increase in riches.

And Asaph’s question is, “Why?” Why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? Are the holy keeping their hearts clean in vain? Have the sanctified washed their hands in innocence for nothing? (Psa 73:13-15).

____________ But when I thought how to understand this,
_________________ it seemed to me a wearisome task,
____________ until I went into the sanctuary of God;
_________________ then I discerned their end. (Psa 73:16-17)

The bottom line: we may not ever be able to answer some of the biggest “Why” questions on this side of death. Some bends in the river will continue to perplex. Rapids will continue to roar and the righteous, at times, will be caught in the undercurrents.

But God has provided perspective for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. The end can be discerned. All streams, rapids, and rivers eventually lead to his holy and righteous throne of perfect judgment.

And if you never know why and exactly where the river bends, but you do know where the river ends, isn’t that what matters most?

 

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