Have you ever seen a small child participate in a play? They get all excited about the part that they are going to play, then they get cast as a tree. Their entire role in the play is to just stand there. No lines, no movement, just standing. One can imagine what they are thinking. They had to get dressed up as a tree, possibly get color put on their face, to just stand there and watch everyone else perform for the play. I’m sure they come to ask, “what good am I doing.”
Have you ever felt like what you’re doing is for nothing? Sometimes this will even creep into our walk with God. It did for the Psalmist. We see this in Psalm 73:2-16 (NET) But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my feet almost slid out from under me. For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked. For they suffer no pain; their bodies are strong and well-fed. They are immune to the trouble common to men; they do not suffer as other men do. Arrogance is their necklace, and violence their clothing. Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; their thoughts are sinful. They mock and say evil things; they proudly threaten violence. They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth. Therefore they have more than enough food to eat, and even suck up the water of the sea. They say, “How does God know what we do? Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?” Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like, those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer. I concluded, “Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle. I suffer all day long, and am punished every morning.” If I had publicized these thoughts, I would have betrayed your loyal followers. When I tried to make sense of this, it was troubling to me.
These are the words of a troubled soul that is asking, if it’s even worth it. Have I lived a pure separated life for nothing? Have I turned away from evil for nothing? Have I lived for God for nothing? Then a shift happens. The Psalmist goes to the sanctuary. He then says these words. Until I entered God’s sanctuary, and considered their latter end (Psalm 73:17 NHEB). It wasn’t just their end that he suddenly realized, but more importantly his end. He suddenly saw the benefits that he got from living a Holy life. He then begins to express this. Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand. You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Who do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth who I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. But it is good for me to come close to God. I have made the LORD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works in the gates of the daughter of Zion. (Psalm 73:23-26+ 28 NHEB).
He realized that he gets to enjoy God’s presence, His guidance, His strength, and finally he gets to see Him in heaven. We must remember these things. The great and wonderful things that God has already done for us. We must not forget that Jesus came and died for our sins and paid the price that we could not pay to enter heaven. We must not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9 NHEB). So hold your head up and remember His goodness towards you.
Psalm 103:2-4 NHEB 2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and do not forget all his benefits; 3 who forgives all your sins; who heals all your diseases; 4 who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies;