Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. — Psalm 52:1
One of my favorite things is to learn more about history and historical events. Recently, I sat down and watched a series on television about the days that changed America. There were many different events that were covered, but many of the events discussed some of the most wicked things that happened in our nation’s history. Days like 9/11, the Oklahoma City Bombing, the Boston Marathon Bombing, and others.
In many of these events, those who were responsible for them celebrated their wickedness. There was rejoicing in how they killed Americans, destroyed families, and forever changed the lives of people on those days. I believe we would all agree that this celebration of wickedness in these circumstances was and continues to be sickening to us all.
But we can be honest; across all of society, there is a celebration of wickedness that happens each and every day. Across our nation and across the world, people celebrate their sins. They proudly boast of it, claiming it is their right, their decision, and claiming the joy they find in this wickedness. Except, that joy is short-lived.
In this Psalm, the question is asked why does someone who considers themselves mighty boast in their mischief? The original word here is ra‛ or râ‛âh, meaning bad, wicked, hurtful, evil, or misery. This was boasting about the evil and wickedness that was being done. That certainly sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
The Psalmist says this wickedness is directly against the goodness of God. In other words, you are either for God or against Him. His goodness endures continually, and you are either on God’s side or against Him. It is almost as if the question is asked, are you for God or against Him?
The evils of this world can never satisfy. You can boast and brag about all the wickedness in your heart, but it will never bring happiness to you as it goes directly against God. So how are things in your life? Are you for God or against Him? It isn’t too hard to tell. Just take a look at your life and the story it tells.
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