In my recent Bible reading, I came across these verses of Scripture. “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.” (Psalm 73:21-22 – NIV) I had to chuckle. Sometimes that’s exactly how I feel. Like a brute beast.

I do try to keep this beast under control and unseen, but from time to time, this ungodly character shows up. And not just before God! No, this brute beast has visualized before family and friends as well. When the brute beast is present, it’s pretty ugly.

The poor writer of Psalm 73 seems to be struggling with some of the same things we struggle with. How do unscrupulous businesses and people become so successful? How can someone with such a cruel heart be so profitable? Why is evil so prevalent in our world? When will the wicked get their just reward?

If you haven’t asked similar questions, you’ve thought them. While the good people in this world do their best to keep their hearts pure, the wicked are carefree and their wealth increases. While the good people in this world do the good works God set before them, the wicked have no struggles, are prosperous, and seem to have no burdens.

It seems justified that this brute beast would show up in situations like this, doesn’t it?

Well, the psalmist doesn’t stop here. There are beautiful words that follow all of this ugliness.

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (Psalm 73:23-28 – NIV) Perhaps you recognize these words from one of my favorite worship songs, “Made Me Glad.” Click here if you’d like to listen.

It doesn’t matter what is happening around us in this world. God has that part covered. Our part is to draw closer to Him. To allow Him to lead and counsel. To depend upon God’s strength. To be completely satisfied in your relationship to God. To run to Him as your refuge. To share His message with others. That’s what we are to do.

Oh, I know that embittered beast will show its head now and again. There’s simply too much evil in the world to keep it from happening. However, I understand that this beast can be tamed by God’s Spirit. I must continually allow the Holy Spirit to transform me into a useful believer. And that is a thing of beauty.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna