The French painter, Georges Seurat, painted with dots of color instead of using strokes of the brush. Up close those dots appear meaningless. However, when you step back, from a distance the dots blend to form a beautiful painting.
Life is dotted by many scenes and experiences. At times we may look at one point in life and wonder what it means. One of the psalms of Asaph (Psalm 73) reveals this struggle with perspective. Asaph began by stating. . .
“(1) 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.” (Psalm 73:1-3 ESV)
In view of some of the dots on life’s canvas, Asaph almost lost his perspective. He looked at the wicked with wonder at what appeared to be taking place in their life, and it began to make him envious of them. When we read verses 3-11, we note how he saw the wicked prospering, they appeared to be free from struggles, had good health, lacked the burdens others experienced, and did not seem to be plagued with the ills common to others. He capped this view off in verse 12 by stating. . .
“(12) Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches.” (Psalm 73:12 ESV)
Have we ever been struck by such a perspective? With such a focus on life it could be easy to find ourselves expressing something like, “God, I don’t understand. It doesn’t make any sense that the wicked are faring so well. What gives? I want a life like that!”
What can be the further impact of such a focus? Lord willing, we will consider that tomorrow. But for today, may we guard against becoming so narrowly focused that we fail to see the bigger picture!
Have a great day LOOKING BEYOND LIFE’S SINGLE UNSETTLING EVENTS!
Carl
