Psalm 73 – The Psalm of Asaph: The Way and the End of the Righteous and the Wicked
One of the principles that has guided my life over the years is the understanding of a biblical theme: that things won't always remain the same. I've learned not to dwell on the suffering and stresses of the present. Instead, I look forward to a time when I can look back and understand why things had to happen as they did, emerging with a testimony. Interestingly, I don't adopt the same attitude when things are going well; I simply enjoy the moment without worrying that things might turn sour in the future.
I've noticed that when unfavorable events occur, I tend to draw closer to God more than I do when everything is going well. I often reflect on my life, recalling all the unpleasant situations God has brought me through. In hindsight, I realize that I should also take time to thank God for the many good things in my life, even when it's hard to see them amidst ongoing challenges.
Today, I reflected on the Psalm of Asaph. It seems like a reflective psalm, where Asaph looks back on his experiences, his understanding, and his godly perspective on the success of the wicked. Initially, he envied the wicked, as seen in verse 3. He observed their apparent prosperity and was perplexed until he went into the sanctuary and understood their impending destruction. This realization led him to reflect on his state and moved him to praise God's sovereignty.
Psalm 73:
Verse 2 says, "My feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." This verse is past tense, reflecting Asaph's previous state, which, by God's grace, he has since overcome. To him, according to verse 5, it seemed like the wicked had no struggles or burdens, which likely made him envy them. He could clearly see their characteristics, such as pride and violence (verse 6), callous hearts (verse 7), and arrogance (verse 8). They are carefree and wealthy (verse 12).
Asaph was disheartened by how seemingly 'good' their lives were. He felt like his innocence was in vain and that nothing was going right for him (verses 13-14). Verse 16 shows that he tried to understand this, but it was too much for him and was oppressive... until he went into the sanctuary of God and understood their final destiny. "How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies." Basically they are like sheep being fattened for slaughter as seemingly all is well with them. Understanding the sovereignty of God gives an even better perspective. All of this became clear after entering the sanctuary of God.
Sometimes, things are obscure to us, and we struggle to understand because we rely on our own understanding and logic. From the psalmist, I learned that a clear view can be gained by entering the sanctuary of God. How do we enter into the sanctuary of God? We need to seek God with our hearts in prayer and seek understanding from His word, so we are not clouded.
The psalmist continues to describe his former state in verse 21, admitting that he was ignorant and senseless for thinking the way he did. He now understands that God is always with him, guiding him, which is not the case for the wicked. He recognizes that he has God and no one else, and he sees that his deepest desires are for God, who is his strength. "Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds" (verses 27-28). A very important thing to remember, God’s good deeds, with the greatest being; giving his son to give us life in him. This is greater than any earthly wealth and peace as it promises hope for the future and eternity.
Understanding comes from the Lord. The psalmist's perspective shifts beautifully from envying the wicked to realizing their fate. In his confusion, he entered the sanctuary and understood the paths of the righteous and the wicked. Likewise, we can find understanding in the Lord. Those who lack wisdom and discernment must run to the sanctuary of God and ultimately, run to God Himself.
