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Psalm 73:12-20 

This is what the wicked are like—always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. 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. If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

In the first eleven verses of Psalm 73, Asaph was irritated. The “wicked” seemed to always be getting ahead. Envy boiled in his heart. He almost lost his spiritual footing. The frustration continued in today’s passage. 

The wicked, Asaph observed, were going through life free of care, accumulating wealth. Asaph was doing his best to keep his heart pure, his hands innocent, and his head above water. His efforts, however, were seemingly without rewards. All this “troubled [him] deeply” until he went into the “sanctuary of God.” Worship helped him gain perspective.

Asaph was reminded that life is short and eternity is long. Every person will stand before God to give an account. On that day God will not be impressed with how much money and material things we have acquired.

Father, help me keep my focus on what is truly important. Help me live today with eternity in mind. In Jesus’ name. Amen.