On Psalm 49

Summer Psalms - On Psalm 49

August 23, 2022

Pray for Illumination - Heavenly Father, help me to know your ways; teach me your paths and lead me into your truth. Amen.

Read Psalm 49

Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me— those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches?  Psalms 49:5‭-‬6

Yesterday was day one of VBS and it was busy and full of excited kids!  I had the opportunity to talk about my role as a pastor in the church.  When I asked each group what they thought a pastor does, most responded with “praying” or “preaching”.  However in a couple different groups, kids referenced the role as a way to make money.  This took me off guard.  It bothered me that there are some kids who believe that I do what I do because of money.  What I want to be known for is my love and obedience to God.  That Christ is my greatest treasure!

The Psalmist is also bothered by those who put their trust in their riches and wants nothing to do with that kind of life.

They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions.  Psalms 49:14

Maybe a question that we all need to ask ourselves to see where our heart truly rests is:

What loss in life would most trouble me – spiritual or material?  Or What do I give the most care and attention to – the accumulation of money and stuff, or my spiritual growth?

The Psalmist reveals the failure of wealth to have any ability to save the soul.  And yet God has generously provided our only Saviour in Jesus Christ.  He is a Treasure that is worth holding on to, growing deeper with, and trusting your future to.

Ask God today to help you see where your trust for life really lays.  Seek forgiveness for putting your hope in things that are temporary and ask God to give you wisdom to discern what has true spiritual value in this life.