Day 172 – True Wealth

Psalm 73:1 (A Psalm of Asaph.) Elohiym is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. 2 However, as for me, my feet almost stumbled; my steps nearly slipped. 3 For I envied the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. 6 Therefore, pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment. 7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than their heart could wish. 8 They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. 10 Therefore, his people return here, and waters of a full cup are drained by them. 11 They say, “How does Elohiym know? Is there knowledge in the Elyown?” 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches. 13 Surely, I cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocence. 14 For throughout the day I am plagued and chastened every morning.

 15 If I said, “I will speak thus,” behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. 16 When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me— 17 until I went into the sanctuary of Elohiym; then I understood their end. 18 You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. 19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are consumed with terrors. 20 As a dream when one awakes, So, Adonay, when You awake, You will despise their image.

 21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. 22 I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. 23 Nevertheless, I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. 24 You will guide me with Your counsel and afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but You? There is none upon earth I desire besides You. 26 My flesh and my heart fail; but Elohiym is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For indeed, those who are far from You will perish; You destroyed those who deserted You for harlotry. 28 However, it is good for me to draw near to Elohiym; I put my trust in Adonay ELOHIYM, that I may declare Your works.

God’s names:

Elohiym – Supreme God

Adonay – God’s proper name

Elyown – Supreme Most High

Yeshuwa – Jesus

God’s character:

Strength

Portion

Destroyer

Do you envy those who have more than you, who live like they can do whatever they want, and no one will come against them?

Asaph saw how wicked people lived and prospered, he seemed to envy them for their prosperity and their wickedness, but only until he went into the sanctuary and saw how Elohiym would bring justice to them. Then he knew it was better to live for Elohiym because he would spend eternity with Him.

What was your life like before you accepted Yeshuwa as Savior and Adonay? Did you have the world by the tale and believe you could do whatever you wanted without repercussion? When did you understand what would happen to those who practiced evil and turn your heart to Yeshuwa?

It’s easy to envy someone who has everything. However, when you put what you have in Yeshuwa against what they have on the earth, you have far more than they ever will. Their end is eternal damnation. You face eternity with Yeshuwa. There is no comparison. You are far richer than their wealth can give them.

When you realize what Asaph realized, you will rejoice in your salvation and in the judgment Yeshuwa brings upon those who live to serve wickedness. Then your praise will touch heaven when you sing praises in the sanctuary of Elyown.

Let’s pray: Father, when I start to envy people who have far more than I ever will, remind me that I have more in You than they have in their wealth. Remind me that I am Your child; You washed me clean through the blood of Your Son and gave me a place in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Copyright © 9 July 2025 by Valerie Routhieaux