Read: Psalm 73:1-14
For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (v. 3)
One of my favorite old sayings is “he can’t see the forest for the trees.” It’s a description of someone who is so focused on the details that they cannot see the bigger picture; it’s as if a couple of trees become the entire forest! That’s the situation of psalm writer, Asaph.
The Preacher in Ecclesiastes experienced weariness as he considered the futility of his work, but in Psalm 73 Asaph was wearied by the unfairness he perceived in the lives of the wicked and the righteous. Instead of suffering as a result of their arrogance and aggression, the wicked seemed to prosper in all they did. Healthy and successful, they didn’t have the everyday troubles that Asaph faced. At the same time, Asaph seemed to suffer because he pursued righteousness. And he was weary of it all! He complained, “In vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence” (v. 13). By comparing his life of struggle to the easy lives of the wicked, Asaph lost his perspective and began to stumble and slip (v. 2).
Comparing yourself to others is never a good idea. You only know the most surface details of someone else’s life; people only present what’s positive in person and on social media. And you don’t have the long-term view that God has. Don’t let a superficial comparison to others keep you from seeing God’s blessings in your own life. That’s the big picture!
As you pray, ask God to help you refrain from comparing yourself to others.
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.
