May 15, Is God Enough?

Today’s reading: Psalms 71-75

“Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments” - Psalm 73:13-14.

The psalmist in today’s passage was struggling with whether or not it was worth it to pursue righteousness and do right, for bad things seemed to be happening no matter how much good he did. As you have seen in this devotional study so far, this is a repeating theme in the book of Psalms. The question being asked is: What do the righteous receive in return for their obedience and godly behavior? The answer is that they get God Himself — His presence and encouragement in the midst of their trials. The psalmist answered his own lament in verse 73:28: “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” Is God’s presence in your life your goal? Is that good enough or do you regret and even resent that you don’t have more stuff, less suffering or other more tangible benefits to show for your obedience?