Things That Trip Us Up...

Truly God is good to Israel,
    to those who 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 arrogant    when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
(Psalm 73:1-3)
This song of worship and testimony begins with a clear, simple statement of truth: God is good. Those who are "Pure in Heart" know that more than most. That phrase automatically throws us to Matthew 5 and the sermon on the Mount: 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." When our heart is right towards God, we are able to see Him at work. Asaph throws us for a loop here with his second statement: "but as for me...". Here is a testimony of struggling. He was struggling to "see God is good." He was "tripped up" by envy. He looked around and saw the wicked prospering. It was not that he wanted what they had. He saw what was happening and did not think it was just or fair. Envy is often a hard thing for us to see, to admit, and to overcome in our lives. Especially when we (think we) are seeking to live life for God, in submission to His will and word, and have all sorts of issues, while those who could care less about serving God are doing well.  Our envy becomes the big invisible block in the room we keep tripping over, and hurting ourselves.  We need to go back to the very core issue: God is Good. He is especially God to those who recognize Him as creator, Savior and King. Whenever we beging to think or feel otherwise, we have swallowed the lie that will choke out our faith and love. Remember, as you go through this day, and face whatever struggles come your way: God is Good all the time; all the time, God is good.