Friday, August 23, 2013

KOINONIA STUDIES

The Pure and Slippery
PSALM 73
 
Psalm 73 –A lesson about the blessedness of trusting, which also shows us the futility of what happens if we find ourselves turning our backs on the Lord our God, and the tragic difference that can result from a life of rebellion. 

The 73rd Psalm was penned during the time of King Hezekiah, possibly by Asaph.  Though most of the psalms are sourced to the wonderful King David, there are about 10 of them that we that we can cite to the seer Asaph.  Since we are concentrating more of the reflecting aspects of this devotion rather than the historical information it would be good for each of us to do our own word study to discover a little about who Asaph was for ourselves  One place you can read about him is in 2 Chronicles 29.  

DESPERATION WILL COME
 
Psalm 73:1 “Truly God is good to Israel,
To such as are pure in heart….”
 
There is a key to God here. In fact, I see two.  Something to think about?  What do you see in this verse as the key to God and that Key to His gracious dealings with His chosen people? 
 
God IS Good and His Gracious dealings are to The PURE in Heart. Jesus also talked of the same attitude of heart that should be part of our lives in the 55h chapter of Matthew when he dealt with the beatitudes.

“Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart,
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;
my steps had nearly slipped.  

WHAT ABOUT THOSE SLIPPERY FEET?
 
Ever feel like you've had them? There is not one of us,who does not at some time or another in our lives live with that sense. Not one of us who does not at some time come to a place of despair in some way.  Not one of us who does not at some time or another, slip.

Psalm 73:2-3 “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;
my steps had nearly slipped.’ For I was envious of the boastful,
When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

This psalm is a wonderful place to go for us to get ourselves back on track. That is the feeling that went through the writer when he wrote this. There is much for us to learn from it. 

Have you ever found yourself discouraged in your personal walk enough to nearly slip? What did you do and how long did it take for you to do it? 

What are some other things that cause a Christian woman to stumble and slip?

The one sign of discouragement that can bring us down and overtake us before we know it, is another word for invidia!  It’s called  ENVY.  You might not think this represents you, but it is a bitter pill we all have to swallow at some time or another.  Even the faith and trust of a mature Christian can be shaken.
 
At those times it is in danger of failing, when the storm in her life becomes great, if the anchor of that believer’s soul isn’t rooted and holding fast to the word and foundation of the source that gave it life.   

It is important to remember:  We cannot and should not trust in the feelings of our heart.  There is a reason for that.  Our hearts will only deceive us and too often will bring us discouragement. 
 
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1 comment:

  1. I like reading the introduction to that great Psalm. It is one of my favorites, and you gave a great preliminary for an urge to read the rest. Thank you.

    Betty F
    Windsor, CA

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