That Which is Good

Life is about choices. We make choices every day. Some are good, some are bad. We enjoy the rewards of good choices we make, but we suffer the consequences of bad choices. Still, one thing is true, we made the choice. Whatever other people said, and no matter how much opinion they expressed, it is still us who make the choice about what we want to do or happen in our life.

The Psalmist in Psalm 73 is confronted by choices — the choice to be bitter about the prosperity of the wicked and the seeming unfairness of it or be better by choosing God in the middle of his frustration.

But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
– Psalm 73 : 2-3 (WEB)

He felt envious, embittered, and grieved that the unrighteous enjoy abundance.

But when he comes to the presence of God, his mind is opened and he gains an understanding that the wicked’s end is not glory or victory, but disaster because they do not live for God.

The Psalmist understands how living for God is far more precious and important than the momentary and material suffering he faces in the world.

Whom do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you. But it is good for me to come close to God. I have made the Lord Yahweh my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
– Psalm 73 : 25-28 (WEB)

In the end, the Psalmist chose that which is good by choosing God and he repented from the envy he felt toward the wicked. He knows that it is better to be near God and experience His presence than to experience the abundance of wealth.

Sometimes we grow bitter instead of better because we choose to focus on the circumstance. Look at the change in the Psalmist outlook based on his choices:

• He chooses to look at the circumstance: He feels envious and bitterness takes root in his heart.
• He chooses to look at God: He grows in understanding and his satisfaction moves beyond the material things he sees.

Be careful what you choose every day. May every choice you make stems from the desire that “it is good to be near God”. May you always strive to choose that which is good.