MEDITATIONS FROM THE PSALMS

 

March 16, 2005

Reading: Psalm 73

 

“It was too painful for me -- until I went into the sanctuary of God” Ps 73:16-17

 

My soul, there is much you do not understand even though you strive to do so. The Holy Spirit has enlightened your understanding of many things through meditation in His Word. Questions like, “Why is the world in such a turmoil, nations warring against each other; unspeakable atrocities committed by governments on their own people; carnage perpetrated throughout the world by terrorist organizations; children snatched from their bedrooms to be found later buried in some shallow grave; spouses abusing each other to the point of mental and physical torture, and crimes committed in our own locality by gangs consisting of youth as young as 12 years old. When I read of these happenings I am witnessing a world in chaos, a world without Christ. The heinous mind of Satan has, and always will, produce such monstrous behavior—that is until the day he is cast into the lake of fire prepared for him and his angels.    

Do not look at others, especially the ungodly, and wonder why they prosper. Shame on you for permitting the sin of jealousy to cloud your vision of Jesus. There are those who “set their mouth against the heavens,’ whose only knowledge of your Savior is when they curse things and others around them. They ridicule the cross and everything that you hold so precious, yet still they prosper and enjoy good health. They do not want the name of God or Jesus to be mentioned in schools and public places, yet they value the freedom that permits them to blaspheme that precious name. Listen again to the Word of God for it tells us that mankind, both Godly and ungodly, are the recipients of blessings from God, “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” Matt 5:45. Someone once said, “Life on earth is the closest thing to heaven the ungodly will ever experience, whereas it is the closest thing to hell for the children of God.”

While these things cause you some level of pain, seldom are they personal. It is those things, personal and close to your heart, that causes you pain; pain that causes tears to flow, and to throw yourself at the feet of Jesus for comfort and strength. The agony you feel, my soul, for your unsaved spouse and/or children. That those whom you love more than any other on earth should continue to live without Christ in their lives, this is pain, pain that causes you to “enter the Sanctuary of God” for answers and peace of heart.

What or Who is this Sanctuary of God? It is none other than your Savior, your Jesus, the One who says,

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matt 11:28-30.

 

Listen to His words, my soul, your Sanctuary invites you to find rest and peace in Him. True understanding comes from complete trust and faith in Him who “does all things well.”

 

Dear Master, thank You for being my Sanctuary, for allowing me to lay every burden upon You and to know Your rest and peace. It is You who are Sovereign, not I. My place is not on the throne but at Your feet, for it is there I will learn more of You, Your love, and Your ways. It is there the pain of my soul is alleviated. My burden is in Your hands; grant me Your peace.