Psalm 73:1-3,12,13,16-18
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.
Sometimes our ideals or expectations of what is good for us, can get in the way of embracing a purpose that is unique to us. For example, it is easy to assume that because we are doing something well, because we make the mistake of comparing ourselves with other people, we then expect the same results others have.  But do we ask a follow up question, whether what we expect is actually good for our growth in Christ?
The general reason we may not ask that question, is because we lose focus on what God’s goal is for us, conformity to Christ, and what our ideal goal’s are. Which is usually prospering in our own unfiltered expectations.  This is what had the Psalmist temporarily frustrated with his life.  Seeing the wicked prosper, while he suffers in hardship, trying to be faithful to God, wondering if it is worth it.  Can you relate?
 
Psalm 73:12,13-Behold, these are the wicked;
always at ease, they increase in riches.
13 All in vain have I kept my heart clean
and washed my hands in innocence.
 
The Psalmist like us all at times, was “caught up” in what he saw, more than God.  But when he got into communion with God, his eyes were “opened” to the truth and reality of the wicked and himself.  That on the surface they are envied, but in reality they live uncovered by God and vulnerable at anytime to complete destruction.  Our faith is what overcomes the world (1 John 5:4).  Yet sometimes our “sight” hinders us, in seeing the great love and guidance God has uniquely set aside for us.
 
Psalm 73:16-18
16 But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
17 until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.
18 Truly you set them in slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin.
In His Love, Ld