Asaph - Psalm 73

Let us continue to ponder on the question of why wicked prosper and God's people suffer by meditating on another Psalm - Psalm 73 written by Asaph - a worship leader.

The Psalms, maybe more than any other part of the Bible, help us to explore the depths of our hearts. They help us put words to our doubts and frustrations, but at the same time they give us reminders of the help and hope we have in God. This is very much true of Psalm 73.

In Psalm 73, a man named Asaph expresses a frustration that many have shared. He was a faithful follower of God. In fact, he was a worship leader. But despite his efforts to serve and honor God, his life was marked by difficulty. In addition, as he looked around he saw those who had no regard for God living in prosperity and apparent happiness.

In the Psalm, Asaph narrates a time of wavering faith and growing doubts. His eyes were locked in on the prosperity of the wicked and he was overcome with envy. His faith was tested and he almost fell away. But in the end, God allows Asaph to regain a proper perspective. Once again he is able to see life from the perspective of eternity and his confidence and contentment in God are restored.

God is Good (vs. 1) Psalm 73 is written as Asaph looks back at his time of struggle and doubt. Before he recounts his time of doubt he begins with what he now knows to be true: God is good and He is good to those who are His.

Asaph's Envy of the Wicked (vv. 2-3) While Asaph had once been confident in God, his faith is now faltering. He has been faithful to God and yet he struggles while the wicked have no regard for God and seem to prosper.

The Prosperity of the Wicked (vv. 4-12) As Asaph looks at the lives of the wicked his conclusion is simple: They live as they please and seem to have whatever they want. Despite their open rebellion their lives seem good. In verses 4-12, he describes their prosperity and ease of life.

He sees that the wicked live a trouble free life. They get everything they desire, they speak with arrogance and they mock God. They enjoy an easy and prosperous life while God's children suffer. Hence, Asaph feels that serving God is vain.

However, in verse 17, when he finally went to the place of worship, he experienced the presence of God. That changed his perspectives of life.

• He sees the future of the Wicked (vv. 18-20) - He remembers that there is more to consider than this life. While the wicked may prosper in this life, in the end they are without hope and will experience the judgment of God.

• He recognizes his own Foolishness (vv. 21-22) - He is able to see the foolishness of his former way of thinking. He was responding in ignorance; ignoring the truth of God and eternity.

• We can have total Confidence in God (in life and death) (vv. 23-24) - While he had been consumed with doubt, now his confidence is restored. God is the one who draws us near, guides us and leads us to glory.

• We can have complete contentment in God (vv. 25-26) - Our sufficiency and satisfaction that is only available in God. In God we can experience true contentment; regardless of our circumstances.

• Asaph's Final Conclusion (vv. 27-28) - Asaph Psalm begins and ends with the statement of the goodness of God. He is sure that the wicked will perish but God is good to those who trust Him.

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, it is good to be near God. (Psalm 73 - Verse 1 and Verse 28)

Let us also not get upset about wicked prospering and God's people suffering. Let us learn to view the issues of life from an eternal perspective. God is our refuge and strength. By worshiping him we find solace and satisfaction.