Psalm 73...o the riches...

i've been studying Psalm 73.  All summer.  Seriously, i have read and re-read those 28 verses several dozen times...and still, every time i read them, i learn something new.  i had thought that i would be "systematic" in my study, but instead i've just read the psalm most mornings and just asked the Lord to teach me what i need to know. (If you're following me on Twitter, sorry...this will be deja vu.)  And so i've been thinking about the goodness of the Lord, always.  And about the danger of comparing my journey to that of those around me.  i've learned about perspective, and about the descent into despair.  i've thought alot about how i define the "goodness of the Lord" --- not in my spiritual moments, but in my practical theology...in how i live and think and feel.  It has occurred to me that "what you see is not what you get", that the horizontal view is short-lived.  i've pondered the pathway to hope and joy in the midst of heartache...the pathway of worship.  i've reminded myself that God is not a vending machine...He does not owe me anything, no matter what i "insert" in the deposit slot.  i've thought alot about the things that i desire on earth besides Him, and what that's about.  Today i've been thinking about what it means to "enter the sanctuary".  Worship as a place and a posture.  i want so much to make the Lord God my refuge.  Every day.  At all times.  Here's my favorite verse:  "Nevertheless, i am continually with you; you hold my right hand."   How i love the Word.  If i only had these verses, i would never plumb the depths. Sigh. So grateful.