Psalm 73
As he that fears God fears nothing else, so he that sees God sees nothing else” John Donne 1500
Did you think when you trusted God and you were under His care that things should go easier for you but found that life just got worse. Many around you were not trusting God and living life up and doing wonderful.
This is the 3rd book of Psalms and it corresponds to Leviticus in the Pentateuch. It can be compared to Hebrews in the New Testament. Both talking about the Sanctuary of God and how to walk with Him.
Written by Asaph, a minister of music. Writer of inspired Scripture.
Asaph ask the question Why? The question we have all asked, How is it that the wicked so often prosper while the godly suffer so much?
Asaph was in a spiritual crash in his life, negative thinking is ruling his thoughts.
It is impossible to look and hope for that which is eternal when our focus is on the things going on around us for life’s answers
Asaph states a great truth in verse 1, God is good. This is the foundation of that which motivates and keeps our eyes on God. God is good and He does good. This is what keeps us going when all else seems to be caving in around us.
The phrases, “God is good” and “But as for me” rings through this Psalm.
Asaph has looked so steadily at what was going on around him that he almost lost his foothold. He was in danger of letting his thoughts override the Love of God and the Truth about God.
V 1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. (this is a past tense statement).
I have made it through the fire…I know that God is good But, I almost slipped
This valley of the shadow of death almost … almost made me fall, loose my faith
In this Psalm, the problem is envy, envy of those who have everything going their way.
vv-4-5
· they live painless lives
· They are healthy and strong
· They don’t have troubles like we do
· They are not plagued with problems
v-6
· They wear pride as a jeweled necklace
· They are cruel and wear it as a banner
v-7
· They have everything they could ever want and they can buy what they don’t have
vv-8-9
· They strut in their own thoughts, scoffing at the good and speak evil to demonstrate their power and seek to crush those in their paths.
· They shake their fists at the heavens displaying their content for God and His people
vv-10-11
· The people listen, drinking in all they are saying-What does God know? “Does the Most High even know what is happening?” If there is a God, He must be blind and deaf, dumb or powerless to do anything against us.
vv-12-16 LOOK at these people, they have it all!
· He feels jealous
· Justified in his thoughts
· What is this walk all about?
· Why have I bothered? Does it matter at all?
· I have tried to honor God but it is the ungodly that have it made
· I can’t talk about this with anyone. If I did I would be a traitor to You and Your people
· I am trying to understand but how can I? Lord this is HARD!
· The godly suffer, the wicked get everything they want
vv-17-19
How could I be so blind? Truth is suddenly revealed! What has changed?
I WENT INTO YOUR SANCTUARY- He took his problem into the presence of God
· I understand, this life is not all there is
· How did this happen to me
· Truth comes flooding in…it is not me that is on slippery ground, God is holding me with His righteous right hand, I cannot fall.
· They are on they slippery path with no one to keep them from going over the cliff to their destruction
· Their destruction is coming, they will be swept away by their terrors
v-20
· There is coming a day, you will come in judgment against their words and actions.
vv-21-22 How can I be so blinded? I am the one.
· My heart was bitter-it is eating away at me
· I was foolish and ignorant
· I acted as an animal would, lashing out
v-23-26
· Yet I still belong to You-You are still holding my hand, Lord, You didn’t forsake me!
· You will guide my steps
· You will open the doors of heaven for me
· I see You, I desire nothing else even when
*my health fails,
*my spirit is weak
You will remain the strength of my heart, MINE forever!
v-27 Those who desert You- will perish. Asaph compares those who reject God to a prostitute on the street. Lusting after the things of the flesh, but disease, dishonor and death will be their reward. They will be abandoned to the things of their heart, their money, their physical needs and thoughts.
v-28 BUT AS FOR ME- Oh how good it is to be near God! I will put my trust in my God. He is my shelter and I will tell the world about the wonders of it all. The joy of being in His Sanctuary!
Asaph started this Psalm asking Why am I serving God? He ends this Psalm understanding that there is no other way. He has it all.
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