Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 21

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 73:1-5,16-28
（Memorization Scripture 25-26）
1 Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like other men....
16 When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me—
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.
18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.
19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake,
You shall despise their image.
21 Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind.
22 I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish;
You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may declare all Your works.

【Reflection】We often become discontented because of the different treatments that God shows to others, especially when evildoers not receiving the retribution they deserve, causing our steps on the righteous path to waver. The author of this psalm, Asaph, was tortured even more in his distressing circumstances because of this. However, it was not until he entered the sanctuary to worship God that he saw what was previously unclear in the light of God—that the end of the wicked sinking away from God's presence is indeed terrifying! Humbly, he acknowledged his own ignorance before God and realized that God had always been with him, holding his hand, guiding him with His holy word, and would lead him to glory. "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Verses 25-26) I will no longer harbor discontentment and let the wicked reap their own end! As for me, I will draw near to God, taking Him as my refuge, and declare all His works.