Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

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Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Psalm 73 with Augustine – God as My Reward Surely God is good to Israel! (v. 1) But to whom? To those who are pure in heart. To those who are perverse, he seems perverse. Not that God is at all perverse. Far be it! What he is, he is. If you have begun to be perverse, and to you God seems perverse, you are changed, not him. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped (v. 2). When were the feet moved, except when the heart was not right? But as for the wicked, pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence (v. 6). Observe them, proud, undisciplined, on all sides covered with their ungodliness. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence (v. 13). This I seem to have done for no reason. Where is the reward for my good life? Where are the wages for my service? I live righteously and am in need; and the unjust man prospers. All day long I have been afflicted (v. 14). God’s afflictions do not leave me. I serve well, but I am punished; he does not serve, but is honored. This is a good question, but these words— How would God know? (v. 11)—are also dangerous, offensive, and almost blasphemous.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (v. 26). This then has been reserved for me in heaven. What is it? Let us find out our riches, let

Augustine on Psalm 73 “Let the people of God cry: God is my portion. Not for just a while, but forever.”

humankind choose their parts. People are torn with diverse desires: some choose military service, some advocacy, some teaching, some merchandise, some farming, they take their portions in human affairs. Let the people