Psalms 73: 1-3 Surely GOD is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. [Living Bible Translation]
Summary
The book of Psalms is a collection of hymns and songs praising GOD. Some of the songs were used as part of the Jerusalem Temple worship service during the time of David and Solomon. Some of the prayers and songs are instructional, for meditation or pleas to GOD for help. The psalms are similar to the hymns, spirituals, gospel songs, and Christmas carols sung in churches today.
Many of the psalms are attributed to David; however, Psalm 73 is attributed to Asaph. (See, heading: "A Psalm of Asaph," which prefaces Psalm 73. According to many bible commentaries, Asaph was David's choir director and a musician. When David brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, he appointed certain of the Levites to minister or worship the Lord in song, praise and prayer. Asaph according to 1 Chronicles 16:4-8 was the chief or director of a choral group of priests.
In Psalm 73 Asaph reflects on the GOODNESS of GOD. Asaph then reflects on his own inner conflict in his envying the wicked—or as he put it "nearly losing his foothold and almost slipping." And, finally (like Job) Asaph affirms his confidence in GOD's WISDOM and DIVINE justice in the end.
Banana Facts
Benefits
Bananas are one the best sources of potassium. The average banana is said to contain about 467 mg of potassium and only 1 gram of sodium. See, www.whfoods.com. Bananas have been cited as a food beneficial in helping to prevent high blood pressure and protect against arthrosclerosis.
According to www.whfoods.com:
The effectiveness of potassium-rich foods such as bananas in lowering blood pressure has been demonstrated by a number of studies. For example, researchers tracked over 40,000 American male health professionals over four years to deter-mine the effects of diet on blood pressure. Men who ate diets higher in potassium-rich foods, as well as foods high in magnesium and cereal fiber, had a substantial-ly reduced risk of stroke.
Www.whfoods.com also cites bananas as beneficial in promoting bone health and for its anti-acid qualities and for elimination:
In addition to these cardiovascular benefits, the potassium found in bananas may also help to promote bone health. Potassium may counteract the increased urinary calcium loss caused by the high-salt diets typical of most Americans, thus helping to prevent bones from thinning out at a fast rate.
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Bananas are a smart move if you suffer from elimination problems. A bout of di-arrhea can quickly deplete your body of important electrolytes. Bananas can re-plenish your stores of potassium, one of the most important electrolytes, which helps regulate heart function as well as fluid balance.
In addition, bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber (called a hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive tract and ease constipation.
See, www.whfoods.com.
Caution and Concerns
While bananas have significant health benefits, you may want to exercise caution as to how many bananas you consume because of their high sugar content. Bananas contain three types of natural sugars: sucrose, glucose and fructose. See, www.healthynewage.com. The average banana may contain 12g to 21g of sugar, depending on the size and ripeness of the banana. As banana ripen the starch in the banana turns to sugar. The riper the banana the higher the sugar content. If you have health problems regarding high blood sugar or need to monitor your calories, speak with your personal physician or dietician about your banana consumption.
Banana Peels and Envy
In Psalms 73 Asaph warns about the human condition of "envy." Envying others, especially "the wicked" for what they have is like focusing on the peel of the banana instead of the inside! Wealth, like the peel, will be discarded and left behind. It is what is on the inside of a person, not the outside that counts. According to Asaph, envy can causes one to slip or even fall.
Psalm 73 also reminds us to focus on desiring to be more like HIM." Just as we strive for physi-cal health and fitness, Asaph recommends GOD for spiritual health. Asaph says: "HE is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever." (See, verse 26)
Today as we meditate on Psalm 73 ask GOD to remove envy or any other distraction from wor-ship. As you eat physical fruit, ask GOD for HIS spiritual fruit too. Make HIM your portion forever.
And, Be Blessed!
