God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. – Psalm 49:15
There is a recurring theme in Psalms: the wicked of the day seem to get away with their wrongdoing and may even flourish in wealth accumulation and power. However, three different psalm writers have encouraging words. David instructs you to “trust in the Lord, and do good… delight yourself in the Lord… commit your way to the Lord… be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:3-7).
David wrote in Psalm 37:1, “Fret not yourself because of evildoers, be not envious of wrongdoers.” The sons of Korah asked, “Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?” (Psalm 49:5-6). Asaph confessed, “My feet had almost stumbled… for I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psalm 73:2-3).
The sons of Korah again remind God’s saints, in Psalm 49, that this world is temporary. The powerful and wealthy only enjoy their status in this life – the end for all is death, and they “will never again see light” (v.19). Yet, the upright, you who are righteous in God’s sight, have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. God has provided the ransom for your soul, and at death, you will live in His light, for He will receive you into His glory (v. 15).
Take heart, then, believer. Your flesh and heart may fail, but God is your strength and portion forever (Psalm 73:26). Lift your prayers for those who govern this nation who have only looked to this world for their pleasure, that they may come to salvation through Christ and know the glory of God in the life to come.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 49:15
But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,
for he will receive me.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 73:2-3, 16-18, 21-28
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.
But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
17 until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.
18 Truly you set them in slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin.
When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
22 I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you.
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
