Psalm 73:1-3 - 1 God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray. 3 For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalm 73:4-12 - 4 They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well fed. 5 They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people. 6 Therefore, pride is their necklace, and violence covers them like a garment. 7 Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.8 They mock, and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten oppression. 9 They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth.10 Therefore His people turn to them and drink in their overflowing words. 11 The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High know everything?” 12 Look at them—the wicked! They are always at ease, and they increase their wealth.

A LIFE OF EASE, IS EASY TO FALL INTO AND EASY TO FOLLOW. IT PROMISES MUCH AND REQUIRES LITTLE.

Psalm 73:13-16 - Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?14 For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.

Psalm 73:16 When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless 17 until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny.

The Destiny of the Wicked Revealed
Psalm 73:18 - Indeed, You put them in slippery places; You make them fall into ruin. 19 How suddenly they become a desolation! They come to an end, swept away by terrors. 20 Like one waking from a dream, Lord, when arising, You will despise their image.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10,14,16-17 - We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.  14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

Psalm 7:23-28 - You hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me up in glory.25 Who do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever. 27 Those far from You will certainly perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.28 But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge,  so I can tell about all You do.

IN THE MIDST AFFLICTION GOD’S PRESENCE IS OUR GOOD. HE IS OUR REFUGE FROM TROUBLE & TURMOIL.

Psalm 81: 11 “But My people did not listen to Me; Israel did not obey Me. 12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own plans.

Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Psalm 82:3-5 - Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. 4 Rescue the poor and needy; save them from the power of the wicked.” 5 They do not know or understand; they wander in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken.

Psalm 80:3-19- 3 Restore us, God; look on us with favor, and we will be saved. 4 Lord God of Hosts, how long will You be angry with Your people’s prayers? 5 You fed them the bread of tears and gave them a full measure of tears to drink. 6 You make us quarrel with our neighbors; our enemies make fun of us. 7 Restore us, God of Hosts; look on us with favor, and we will be saved. 17 Let Your hand be with the man at Your right hand, with the son of man You have made strong for Yourself. 18 Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name. 19 Restore us, Yahweh, the God of Hosts; look on us with favor, and we will be saved.

Psalm 89:1&52 - 1 I will sing about the Lord’s faithful love forever; I will proclaim Your faithfulness to all generations with my mouth. 52 May the Lord be praised forever. Amen and amen.