“Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning. Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.”
Psalms 73:1-28 NLT
The psalms are unafraid to explore and express the highs and lows of human life. The psalms are divided into five books. Book Three covers Psalms 73-89 and is full of psalms that talk about the dark moments of life—lament, loss, betrayal, and injustice. Yet these psalms also declare the sovereignty of God though the world rebels and declines into selfishness, the Lord is still good, still working, and still present with His people.
This psalm wrestles with questions we have all asked: Why do the wicked seem to prosper (vv.4-12)? Is it worth it to follow God and try to live a good life (vv.13-14)? The author (Asaph) looked in his heart and found pain and bitterness (v.21), and that hurt almost caused him to turn away from the Lord (v.15). He found comfort in three things: first, he went to the sanctuary of God; second, he understood the final destiny of the wicked; third, he realized the presence of the Lord, guiding his life. Though it is hard to followGod, there is no better place to be.
Have you ever asked the questions of this psalm? What were your answers? Why do you follow the Lord, even when it is hard?
