Asaph's honesty

The Doc’s wife just sent this photo of Sue and me at a dinner with the Medical Group one evening after my “problem” on the ship.  I was surprised to see how much of the bruise on my chin still showed.  Thankfully that is now all gone and the bruise on my shoulder and arm which had turned green has now mostly disappeared.  My rib cage is also much improved and I have been able to sleep the past four nights.  What a blessing!  I am not certain how many of you received Sue’s email as I was being transported to the hospital, but your prayers were most appreciated!

This morning I was intrigued by Psalm 73.  Asaph, a gifted musician, apparently a part of the Levitical choir in King David’s day, asks the question:  “Why do the wicked prosper?”  I appreciated his humanness when he stated; “For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.”     He gained perspective and a solid foundation for hope as he focused on God’s justice and faithfulness to his people as he reviewed his nation’s history and examined his own heart.  Even as he wrestled with the issue, he said; “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”  (vs. 26)  That reminded me that I should not be too quick in evaluating the day’s news before reviewing the historical account of similar situations and see that ultimately God does respond to the prayers and needs of his people at the appropriate time.  God really does care about our daily challenges and he ultimately rewards godliness even when his timetable may differ from ours.

I am so thankful to be feeling much better after a couple of difficult weeks and realize how easy it is to neglect being thankful for good health.  Hopefully this will be a good reminder for the future!

Love to you all,

Chuck