Psalm 73 is a gem for the weary Christian who feels life isn't worth it. The writer, Asaph, received much sorrow during his life and couldn't talk to anyone about his feelings because he thought they would take offence. So he said nothing and kept his complaints to himself.

Asaph was an honest man who came to a place of spiritual dryness.

His relationship with the Lord had turned lifeless and without hope. He was discontented and envious of the sinners and scoffers all around him. He coveted their prosperity and easy life.

He began to wonder whether it was worthwhile believing in God.

He wanted the "good life" too, but after much soul-searching (and by the grace of God), his perspective changed when "I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny." (Psalm 73:17).

He remembered and understood what was going to happen to those he was envious of. He remembered that judgment comes for those who don't repent of their sins and believe.

It was grace that brought him there and gave him the wisdom and discernment to stop his wavering and return to God.

We may become envious like Asaph.

Somewhere hidden in the back of our minds we may be pestered with such thoughts. We may begin to wonder why we suffer, why we don't have more of this or that, why those who don't believe in Jesus seem to have problem-free lives and do so much better than us.

They seem to have everything they need. They're prosperous and live the easy life.

There's a mindset in the modern church that insists that Christians don't share in the world's problems and that, as believers, God will keep us safe from such troubles.

Not according to Jesus. He said that all who follow Him will suffer. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

"Affliction is one of God’s medicines. By it He often teaches lessons which would be learned in no other way. By it He often draws souls away from sin and the world, which would otherwise have perished everlastingly. Health is a great blessing, but sanctified disease is a greater. Prosperity and worldly comfort, are what all naturally desire; but losses and crosses are far better for us, if they lead us to Christ." J.C. Ryle

“No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yield peaceable fruit.” (Hebrews 12:11)