Psalms 73
Psalm 73 is a psalm recorded by Asaph, and it highlights the conflict between reality and faith, as well as the importance of a person of faith’s inward reflection. This psalm can be divided into three main parts: the problem of the suffering of the righteous (verses 1-14), the experience of meeting God (verses 15-22), and the renewal of faith (verses 23-28).
1verseA Psalm by Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2verseBut as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped.
3verseFor I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4verseFor there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm.
5verseThey are free from burdens of men, neither are they plagued like other men.
6verseTherefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment.
7verseTheir eyes bulge with fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit.
8verseThey scoff and speak with malice. In arrogance, they threaten oppression.
9verseThey have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth.
10verseTherefore their people return to them, and they drink up waters of abundance.
11verseThey say, “How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12verseBehold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches.
13verseSurely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence,
14verseFor all day long I have been plagued, and punished every morning.
15verseIf I had said, “I will speak thus”, behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
16verseWhen I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me—
17verseuntil I entered God’s sanctuary, and considered their latter end.
18verseSurely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction.
19verseHow they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors.
20verseAs a dream when one wakes up, so, Lord, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies.
21verseFor my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart.
22verseI was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you.
23verseNevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand.
24verseYou will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25verseWhom do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you.
26verseMy flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27verseFor, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you.
28verseBut it is good for me to come close to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
The Prosperity of the Wicked and Inner Conflict
The psalmist confesses that at first he saw the wicked prosper and enjoy peace, and that it caused him great confusion and jealousy (verses 2-3). In the world, the upright and good appear to suffer, while the arrogant and unjust seem to flourish. As a result, the psalmist also gets caught up in his own futile thoughts and doubts about his faith (verses 13-14).
A Revelation in the Sanctuary
However, the psalmist enters 'the sanctuary of God' and finally comes to understand the end of the wicked and God’s justice (verses 16-17). He comes to know experientially that worldly prosperity is temporary, and that life within God is eternal. Admitting that he was ignorant and foolish (verses 21-22), he turns back toward faith.
The Meaning of Drawing Near to God
The psalmist gains the assurance that God is always with him (verses 23-26), ‘to draw near to God is my blessing’ as a confession. He reaches the conclusion of his faith that the true blessing is not material blessings in the world, but walking together with God.
Meditation Points
- Within the difficulties of everyday life, the inner confusion and conflict that people of faith feel can come to anyone.
- This chapter shows the process by which they rediscover the true meaning of life within God’s presence.
- It encourages them to look beyond the world’s standards and to the eternal value found in God.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- I reflect on whether I have ever envied only the world’s success or prosperity and neglected the path of faith that was given to me.
- Even in times of difficulty, I remember that closeness to God is the true blessing, and I put it into practice to live a life that draws even nearer to God.
