Psalm 140 ends: “the upright will dwell in Your presence.” (:13) THIS is what is really important. Psalm 140 speaks repeatedly of the “evil men” (:1) who “stir up wars” (:2) and “sharpen their tongues”, etc. But the Psalm ends by saying that despite all that, the upright have the presence of God, which is by far more important than any earthly “success” or possession or blessing of any kind.

And this is just what the wicked cannot enjoy. They may “win” victories through slander or manipulation or violence or deceit, but they cannot know and enjoy the presence of God – and in the end that is the only thing that matters. Moses realized how important this was. He told God in Exodus 33:15, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.” If you enjoy the fellowship of God’s presence, then let nothing else dismay you unduly. You possess the most important thing in this life or the next! Lord, may we truly know Your presence.