Psalm 73:1-28
Q.1. Does God care for His own? Does He always appear to care for His own? What disconcerting things had the Psalmist observed? – (Ps.73:1-9)
The Psalmist summed up his conclusion in the first verse – Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart (Ps.73:1). However, it does not always appear to be so because the wicked can prosper for a season, and the righteous can go through trials and troubles. Considering this, the writer confessed – my feet came close to stumbling; My steps had almost slipped (Ps.73:2). He admitted the problem – I was envious of the arrogant, as I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Ps.73:3). He recorded a range of observations about the seeming advantages of their lifestyle (Ps.73:3-9). Those without a sensitive conscience can let their – imaginations of their heart run riot (Ps.73:7). If we leave God out of the equation, life can appear to not make sense.
Q.2. How did the wicked undermine the Psalmist’s faith? How was his faith restored? What turned his bitterness into confidence and praise? – (Ps.73:10-28)
The Psalmist made further observations about the godless, who ignore their accountability before a holy God – Behold these are the wicked; Always at ease, they have increased in wealth (Ps:73:12 c.f. Ps.73:11-12). Their successes made him question whether his desire to please God was worth it (c.f. (Ps.73:13-14). He then realized how damaging it was to allow such thoughts – When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight … Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children (Ps.73:16 & 15). These thoughts troubled him until he joined in worship and fellowship – 17 Until I came into the sanctuary of God; Then I perceived their end …27 For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You (Ps.73:17 c.f. Heb.10:25). In thinking about the future of the wicked, he was reminded that there will be a Day of Reckoning either in this life or in the one to come (Ps.73:18-20). To look at life while not considering God is very unwise and can lead to bitterness (Ps.73:21-22). Factoring God into the Psalmist’s calculations changed everything, as he realized – 23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. 24 With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory (Ps.73:23-24). How then did the Psalmist cope with the cost of being true to God? He highly valued his relationship with God and declared – 25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever … 28 But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works (Ps.73:25-26 & 28). Whenever we are tempted to question if it is worth following the Saviour, this Psalm helps us to keep it all in perspective.