Repentance and Rest

Have you ever questioned whether being a Christian was worth the effort? Have you ever looked at people who don’t know God and thought, “Their lives are so easy, but my life is boring and hard”? Sometimes we see people who don’t know God succeeding, and we wonder if the sacrifices of the Christian walk are really worth the effort.

This was the exact dilemma of Asaph in Psalm 73. He says he was envious of wicked people because their lives looked easy and satisfying. He wonders, “Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?†(verse 13). Asaph knows the struggle of our hearts when we are jealous of others and discontent with our own lives.

But, after talking with God, Asaph changes the tone in the second half of the psalm. He talks about how God is just—the wicked will not prosper forever. Then, Asaph begins to praise God, remembering that our longings find their ultimate fulfillment in Him.

God is good, and His desire is for us to turn to Him in those moments of temptation and struggle (Hebrews 4:14-16). Like Asaph says, “God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever†(Psalm 73:26).

Our hearts were made to desire satisfaction. When you see people who disregard God but seem to be thriving, let your desire to be satisfied push you to Jesus, your Creator and Savior. Rest in His love for you and His presence with you no matter what circumstances you face. • Phil Cox

• Read Hebrews 4:14-16. In Christ, why can we go to God at any time with any struggle we are facing?

• Asaph didn’t find peace until he went to God’s sanctuary (Psalm 73:16-17). How do you think looking to God—both individually and with other Christians at church—can help you as you struggle with tough times and hard questions?

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:26 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Isaiah 30:1-22; 1 John 1:1–2:2