Psalm 73

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Judgment Sin Punishment Death Eternal life Faithfulness Suffering Strength Righteousness Almighty Understanding God Acknowledging Worship Desires Humility Greed Dependence Nearness Trust Fear Holy Spirit Goodness Pride

Psalm 73 is a beautiful yet raw expression of the struggles involved in trying to maintain faith in God amidst the temptations of envy and doubt. The author, Asaph, admits to feeling jealous of the apparent success and lack of consequences of the wicked while he himself has suffered for remaining faithful to God. However, he ultimately realizes that God is his true treasure and that following Him will lead to eternal satisfaction.

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Bible version

Wrestling with Envy and Doubt

1 {A Psalm of Asaph.} Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.

16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Commentary

This psalm is a powerful reminder that faith is not always easy, and that even the strongest believers can sometimes get discouraged and envious. Asaph's candid admission of his struggles is refreshing and reassuring, for it shows that we are not alone in our doubts and temptations. More importantly, it shows that God is gracious and faithful, and that He will never abandon us or let us down. As we read this psalm, let us take heart and be reminded that our ultimate reward is not in earthly success, but in the eternal joy of being in the presence of God.