In this song of praise, Asaph almost falls to the pressure of the, seemingly, glorious life of the ungodly. Here’s the psalm in its entirety: “Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.
But as for me, I came so close to the edge of the cliff! My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. (It sounds like Asaph contemplated crossing over to a life of wickedness because of what appears like a good life for the proud and wicked. However, it is clear that it was only a thought and he did not act upon those feelings because he says, “My feet were slipping, and I was ALMOST gone.”, implying that he was tempted, but not moved. Yes, Asaph!) They seem to live such a painless life; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They aren’t troubled like other people or plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace, and their clothing is woven of cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! (Wow…Asaph was definitely tempted to leave behind his godly ways and fall into a life of wickedness.) 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. “Does God realize what is going on?” they ask. “Is the Most High even aware of what is happening?” Look at these arrogant people – enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. (Wow…that’s real talk. People today are feeling the same way.)
Was it for nothing that I kept my heart pure and kept myself from doing wrong? All I get is trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. (Who wouldn’t be tempted by the, seemingly, glorified, wealthy life of the wicked when you are struggling everyday?) If I had really spoken this way, 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 one day I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I thought about 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, swept away by terrors. Their present life is only a dream that is gone when they awake. When you arise, O Lord, you will make them vanish from this life. (Wow...after going into the church of God, Asaph begins to think clearly.)
Then I realized how bitter I had become, how pained I had been by all I had seen. I was so foolish and ignorant – I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you are holding my right hand. (Now that Asaph is thinking clearly, he recognizes that God is right beside him holding his hand. Lord, thank you!) You will keep on guiding 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. (Yes, Lord!)
But 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.” (Psalm 73) (Wow! Asaph was so close to being drawn in by the false realities of this world, the fake perceptions of wealth and prosperity of those who are ungodly, and then he walks into the church. The scripture says, “Then one day I went into your sanctuary, O God…”, and in an instant Asaph regained God’s truth. Wow!)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us find peace and strength in your sanctuary and in your WORD! When life tries to beat us down and cause us to doubt your truth, help us seek your presence in your Word and in your holy places. Lord, you have told us we belong to you. Thank you for holding our hands and keeping us from falling. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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