10. When we think about our past decisions, what questions might arise?

¹⁰ Later in life, some could think back and wonder whether they made the right decisions. Perhaps they decided to give up a promising career or a successful business in order to serve Jehovah more fully. Now time has passed, perhaps even decades. They may see acquaintances who pursued secular interests and who now enjoy apparent financial security. As a result, they may wonder: ‘Were the sacrifices I made for Jehovah worth it? Or did they cause me to miss other opportunities?’

11. What troubled the writer of Psalm 73?

¹¹ If similar questions bother you, consider how the writer of Psalm 73 felt. He saw others enjoying what looked like a healthy, prosperous, and stress-free life. (Ps. 73:3-5, 12) As he observed them and their apparent success, he felt that his efforts to serve Jehovah were pointless. He was “troubled all day long” by this discouraging thought. (Ps. 73:13, 14) How did he deal with his troubled feelings?

12. According to Psalm 73:16-18, how did the writer resolve his concerns?

¹² Read Psalm 73:16-18. The psalmist went to the peaceful setting of Jehovah’s sanctuary. There, he was able to think clearly. He discerned that even though the life of some might seem easy, their long-term future was precarious. With this insight, he found peace of mind, knowing that pursuing spiritual things was the very best decision. As a result, he renewed his determination to continue serving Jehovah.​—Ps. 73:23-28.

13. How can you find peace of mind if you are uncertain about past decisions? (See also picture.)

¹³ You can find similar peace of mind with the help of God’s Word. How? Contemplate the value of what you have​—including treasures in heaven—​and compare this to the outcome for those whose only reward is what this world has to offer. They may completely rely on their achievements in this life because they anticipate nothing else in the future. For you, however, Jehovah promises blessings far beyond anything you could ever imagine. (Ps. 145:16) Also, consider this: Can we ever really know how our life would have turned out if we had made different decisions? One thing is certain: Those who make choices based on their love of God and love of neighbor never miss out on anything that is truly good.

11. What troubled the writer of Psalm 73?

¹¹ If similar questions bother you, consider how the writer of Psalm 73 felt. He saw others enjoying what looked like a healthy, prosperous, and stress-free life. (Ps. 73:3-5, 12) As he observed them and their apparent success, he felt that his efforts to serve Jehovah were pointless. He was “troubled all day long” by this discouraging thought. (Ps. 73:13, 14) How did he deal with his troubled feelings?

12. According to Psalm 73:16-18, how did the writer resolve his concerns?

¹² Read Psalm 73:16-18. The psalmist went to the peaceful setting of Jehovah’s sanctuary. There, he was able to think clearly. He discerned that even though the life of some might seem easy, their long-term future was precarious. With this insight, he found peace of mind, knowing that pursuing spiritual things was the very best decision. As a result, he renewed his determination to continue serving Jehovah.​—Ps. 73:23-28.