By Jamere King

Psalm 73:16-17

So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.

I have never had the privilege of seeing an iceberg upclose in my life, but if I did, I’m sure I would be just as amazed as everyone else. One of the most interesting facts about icebergs is that regardless of how big they appear on the surface, studies show that typically 90% of an iceberg’s mass is actually submerged under water. So, although we can be captivated by what we do see, there’s so much more beneath the surface that we don’t see.

The picture which I just painted of an iceberg is the visual context into which Asaph [the author] is writing Psalm 73. In verses 1-15, Asaph can only see the surface iceberg of what’s going on around him. From his human perspective, those who want nothing to do with God seem to get whatever they want, appearing to live a life of ease, all the while God’s people go through constant trials and setbacks in life. Have you ever felt like Asaph? I know I have.

However, in verses 16-17, Asaph makes a 180 degree shift in his perspective. It’s as if Asaph chooses to take a spiritual dive underneath the water and God reveals the rest of the iceberg to him. When Asaph turned his attention towards God, he began to see things for what they really are.

Have you ever felt like Asaph trying to figure out why you’re constantly experiencing setbacks while people who openly hate God “seem” to escape them? Sometimes even costing you joy peace and maybe even sleep.

Just like Asaph, when we choose to fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), God will begin to reveal to us that things aren’t always what they seem.

That person with the high paying job may actually be in tons of debt. The picture perfect couple that’s always posting on social media may actually be on the verge of divorce. That manipulative person who appears to catch every break in the world has no idea they will have to answer to God sooner than they realize— we all do!

So where do we go from here? In simple terms, we must stop looking at everyone else and comparing our life to theirs. Then ask yourself: Do I want temporary happiness and success such as my godless friends on this side of heaven but then spend an eternity suffering? Or, am I willing to temporarily suffer from time to time now yet spend an eternity in unimaginable joy? The choice is yours. Don’t allow 10% of the iceberg to steal your joy. Stay alert. Stay wise. Stay hopeful!

1 Corinthians 2:9—No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.