Mirror images: Psalm 73 as a reflection of Psalm 37

The Psalms are inconsistent in tone, changing drastically from one to the next along with the instability of David's situation, and by extension, the highs and lows of every person's life.

While the Psalms vary from laments to expressions of joy, underlying themes are repeated throughout them and the entire Bible. A similar theme is found in Psalm 37 and Psalm 73. Though they were written by different authors, the theme of temptation to envy prosperous evil people and trusting in God's justice is also found in other parts of the Bible.

The 73rd Psalm is written by Asaph, and he laments the apparent prosperity of wicked people. Like Psalm 37, the first line has a positive, comforting tone: "Truly God is good to the upright, to those who are pure in heart." This implies confidence in God's sense of justice. God gives favor to those who live righteously.

However, the next lines change direction and complain about the apparent prosperity that wicked people enjoy: "But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked."

This is a confession that Asaph was deeply troubled by wicked people who seemed to have everything they could ever want. In the Bible, "arrogance" and "wickedness" are practically synonymous, so by using these words in the same line, the psalmist accentuates the evil he describes. The use of the word "envious" in regard to the wicked brings to mind Proverbs 24:19 - "Do not fret because of evildoers. Do not envy the wicked; for the evil have no future; the lamp of the wicked will go out."

Psalm 73 describes the wicked in a similar way as the Proverb, ending with the promise of their demise: "Indeed, those who are far from You will perish; You put an end to those who are false to You."

This theme of God bringing justice to the wicked and arrogant is often repeated in the Bible. The parallel structure Asaph uses -- repeating the same idea in different words -- adds emphasis and implies he is absolutely certain of this truth. The language is clear and decisive, leaving no option for a different interpretation.

Disillusionment when an author's personality doesn't line up with his or her work

Soon before I became a Christian when I was 19, I read Fahrenheit 451, and Bradbury's description of society strongly resonated with me. Inspired, I created a novel cover painting of Fahrenheit 451 that won a prize at the LA County Fair. Though I intended to send the painting to Bradbury, he passed away just one month later, and I still have the painting to this day.

After reading a book that makes a strong impression upon me, naturally I like to learn more about the author. To my disappointment, Bradbury was a close friend of Walt Disney, a pedophile occultist. In case anyone still believes Disney is innocent, the fact that Disneyland is giving out Convid vaccines like candy ought to reveal otherwise.

Bradbury's favorite holiday was Halloween, which is never a good sign. He was a member of Club 33, a secret society in Disneyland, and there is footage of him there on Halloween in 2003. Obviously he wasn't a Christian.

On top of that, Bradbury claimed his ideas originated from a "demon muse." At one point I saw his drawing of the demon that told him what to write, but I can't find that image online anymore. Would a demon tell such truth as is found in Fahrenheit 451?

The instruments of darkness tell us truths, but not for our good -- to trap us. Satanists call this the "revelation of the method." The CIA calls it "predictive programming."

Anyhow, this seems to be a case in which the author somehow didn't "live up" to his work, or perhaps I just imagined him to be different based upon F451. When I watch his interviews, I am not very fond of his personality and way of perceiving the world. The world holds him in high regard, yet if I am honest with myself, he bothers me.

Superficially, Bradbury seems happy; one may even think he has found the "secret" of joy. Yet when I watch his interview at Club 33...though he talks a lot about passion and joy, his expressions tell another story. He actually looks lost and sad.

Apart from Christ, joy and peace cannot be found. Those who really love the truth and life will find answers in Christ. Any other source is counterfeit. Bradbury's "demon, not afraid of happiness" as he described it, deceived him and the world. If he didn't know God, he didn't know joy.

Oddly, though F451 affected me profoundly, it is the only work from that author that did so, as his other works are quite different.

Rat race or human race?

At last I have time to be alone!

Solitude is wonderful.

Lately I have been wondering how to live at a slower pace. The Babylonian rat race is fast, noisy, stressful....We are all living in a constant state of stress, albeit perhaps boiling beneath the surface so we hardly notice. This is our neurotic reality.

This life is so unnatural. The sound of cars and sirens blares through my window. Frantic electric light keeps my room from ever being completely dark. Last night, though, the light of a candle reminded me that I am human after all....

What can we do to reclaim our humanity, even in small ways?

Simple and free

For the sake of Christ, I am willing to be a fool according to the world.

To the world, the cross is foolishness; so is eternal life, chastity, kindness toward one's enemies, virtually every aspect of the Christian life.

A fool is a simple person...and simplifying my life is just what I need to do right now.

Forgive me for my vanity, Lord...for focusing on the trifles of the physical world. Instead of being thankful and content, my flesh is never satisfied. Yet You have given me so much.

Help me live in true humility; that is the only way Your purpose in my life can be completed.

Life is fast paced in Mystery Babylon, and I must adjust...by simplification, leaving time for what matters most.