Passage: Psalm 73
The Big Idea
Asaph almost slipped. He envied the proud, who seemed to prosper with no troubles, while he kept his heart pure and was plagued all day. It didn’t make sense, until he went into the sanctuary of God and saw their end. Then he saw his own blessing: God holds his right hand, guides him with counsel and will receive him to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
Reflections
Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart (v. 1). I need a pure heart, with no other love but You. Create in me a clean heart. Make me single-minded for You.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled (vv. 2-3). I’ve wondered why Your children suffer the consequences of other people’s choices, while those people seem to get away with everything. It seems their judgment should come sooner.
There are no pangs in their death… they are not in trouble as other men (vv. 4-5). Outwardly, they’re fine. But spiritually, they’re dead, and they don’t feel it yet.
Pride serves as their necklace (v. 6). “I deserve this. Give me that.” That’s how the wicked live. Make me the opposite: humble and gentle.
Their eyes bulge with abundance (v. 7). Materialism is their worship. It’s good for me not to have everything I want. I’d trade material blessings for transformed hearts any day.
They set their mouth against the heavens (vv. 8-9). The battle is really between them and You. Their words are poison. I hide in the shadow of Your wings.
Waters of a full cup are drained by them (v. 10). But my cup is full of Your blessing. You haven’t changed through the generations. You can still part the Red Sea. Do it again, Lord.
They say, “How does God know?” (v. 11). Show Yourself to those who can’t see. Let them know You as their own God, not just someone else’s.
Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain (vv. 12-14). It can feel like I’m alone, waiting for help. But You’re relentless in discipling me. Even when I check out, You pursue me. I need a father just as much now as when I was a child. Let me run every decision by You first.
If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children (v. 15). I need to taste and see Your goodness before I can speak of it in truth.
When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end (vv. 16-17). When I see Your glory and Your sacrifice, I’m delivered from fear and wrong thinking. I want to dwell in Your sanctuary and behold Your glory and mercy always.
Surely You set them in slippery places (vv. 18-20). The choices are real, and so is the judgment. In a moment, it’s over. Help me choose You every day. I need You to do it all.
I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You (vv. 21-22). Yes.
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand (v. 23). “Nevertheless.” I can only survive when You’re with me. I’ve been brought near by the blood of Jesus. I’m in You and You’re in me. Let me know Your smile today.
You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory (v. 24). My whole life You guide me, and at the end You receive me. I surrender, even when Your will is hard. I need Your strength through it all.
Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You (v. 25). You’re my only desire. I’d throw away anything to seek You. Fill my life with Your glory, and let those around me see it.
My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (v. 26). My flesh and heart need to fail. They weren’t designed to live apart from You. I’m meant to receive my life from You. Pour it out like a waterfall. You’re my strength and my portion. You sustain me, and You alone.
Those who are far from You shall perish (v. 27). Yet I’m near by the blood. Nothing of me; all of Your blood.
But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works (v. 28). Relationship is the key, and You foster it. You pursue me and meet with me every morning. You speak to my heart when I wander. Keep me close, my Shepherd. Deliver those I love from the lies of the enemy. Save them with Your mighty power.
Grace Takeaway
When life looks unfair, go into the sanctuary. At the cross you’ll see the end of the proud, and your own portion: a God who holds your hand, guides you all the way and receives you to glory. It is good to draw near.
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