A Psalm 73 Prayer

"Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost lost my footing.  My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For 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.  “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. 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. Psalm 73 NLT

O Lord my God, You are truly good to me. There have been times lately when I have almost lost my footing and I could've been so far from You. Keep my heart pure, Jesus. I confess I have envied the proud, the glamourously successful people who don't seem to have any troubles but rather seem to have it all. There reels and snapshots show that they have everything their hearts ever wished for and even the dreams I have desired. They strut around about how they made it happen and boast about how we can only count on ourselves and we can do anything we want. They laugh at Your ways saying, "What does God even know?" They ask, "Does the Most High even know what's happening?" and "Does He even care?" These people are enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I stay faithful for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long, it seems. Every morning I face difficulty. If I had spoken this way or lived this way, I would be a traitor to You and Your people. I have tried to understand why people prosper, even though they haven't followed Your ways. Then, I read Your Word and I understand the destiny of such people. A destiny that is permanent while life here on earth is temporary. When You return, O Lord, You will set everything right. My heart has been bitter towards You because I have felt like You didn't care and You didn't want me to prosper. I have been foolish and ignorant; and yet, You still hold my right hand. I still belong to You. You guide me with Your counsel and lead me to a glorious and prosperous destiny. I desire You more than anything on earth, including my own dreams. My health may fail and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart. He is mine forever. He is my destiny. Those who desert Him will perish, but as for me, I am near Him and how good it is! The Sovereign Lord is my shelter and I will keep telling everyone about the wonderful things You do! Amen.