“When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me” (Psalm 73:16)
We are better off not thinking about certain things. To do so can rob us of our peace and joy and stir up emotions we’re better off without. The God of peace has called us to peace, and if He is to be with us there are certain things we should think upon; and other things we should not let plague our mind.
Don’t expect the enemy of your soul to help you in this discipline. He will use every opportunity he can to remind you of the worst aspects of your life. To escape his badgering we must guard our mind from thoughts we know are not conducive to a sound heart. Are we trying to run from reality by not accepting the hard “truths” we live in? No. We are just wise enough to realize that without God’s truth countering our “truth,” we will go off the rails. “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.” (Ps. 73:2)
Asaph’s perspective on his life was causing him great sorrow. His meditation was not helping him. Only when he met with and heard from God did his outlook change. “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.” (Ps. 73:17) When God gives us eyes to see, and a heart to understand, it is well with our soul.
Seek the Lord for His perspective on all things. Know that without His counsel and comfort the often hard facts of our life are too painful to dwell on. We do well to focus our minds elsewhere, until the God of peace and all comfort opens our eyes and makes every bitter thing sweet.