Persistence
“Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Gal. 6:9 NLT)
Susan and I have taken a break from watching all news channels. Why? First, the “news” is not about sharing just the facts; talking heads tell you how to think. They cherry-pick events and then twist them, adding biased commentary. They all do it! And if you watch any of them for long, you will get a distorted, ungodly view of things. This can have a negative impact on your faith.
This is not a new problem
There is a story in the Old Testiment about a man named Asaph who struggled to live a pure and righteous life while being surrounded by people who were wicked yet prospered. As he thought about it, he felt pain and confusion. Here’s how he described it:
“I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.” (Psalms 73:3-14 NLT)
Trouble and doubt
When Asaph compared his life to the prosperity of the wicked, it not only caused him much personal pain, but it also caused him to doubt God and to wonder if he had been wasting his time staying pure.
“What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.” (Psalms 73: 11-14 NLT)
Coming to the right conclusion
The story ends well for Asaph once he understood the full truth of their fate.
“If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning. Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. 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.” (Psalms 73:15-28 NKT)
Be wise
It’s not wise to compare yourself with others as Asaph did. It will only lead to confusion and discouragement. The new Testiment puts it this way:
“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” (2 Cor. 10:12 NKJV)
Therefore
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6)