It’s the destination that matters
Introduction
Psalm 73 is a heartfelt reflection by Asaph, who grapples with the apparent prosperity of the wicked, while all around, the righteous seem to be suffering.
Asaph was a prominent Levite musician, appointed by King David to lead the worship music in the Tabernacle. Come on a journey with me through this psalm, as we travel from confusion and envy to a place where we’re reminded that it’s the destination that truly matters.
The journey begins
- What does Asaph affirm in verse 1?
- What does he admit in verses 2 and 3?
- From verses 4-14 what causes Asaph to question God’s justice?
At times life doesn’t seem fair, does it? Asaph knows God is good; but he questions why those who mock God and fill their lives with wrong-doing seem to thrive. How can God be good when those who seek to live righteously face struggles and hardships? Have all Asaph’s attempts to keep his heart pure been in vain?
A turning point
- What does Asaph understand in verse 17 when he enters the sanctuary of God?
- In verses 18-20, what does Asaph realise about the proud, prosperous God-mocking people he had envied?
- What does he realise about himself in verses 21-22?
The sanctuary of God was in the temple in Jerusalem. It was where God met with his people. And when Asaph meets with God, he sees clearly where these proud, prosperous, God-mocking people are heading. They are heading for ruin and destruction. And Asaph realises that his envy has made him act like a senseless beast. Now he knows that all the power and wealth of this world are simply a fading dream.
The glorious destination
- In these last verses Asaph declares his complete trust in God. From verses 23-26, list some of the things that he affirms about his relationship with God.
- Turn verses 27-28 into a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to our sovereign Lord.
The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace.
From ‘Amazing Grace’, John Newton (1725–1807).
A prayer for the traveller
Dear Lord, as I journey through life, help me to trust in your justice and goodness, even when I don’t understand why some hard things happen to those who love you. Give me the strength each day to focus on my relationship with you. May I be filled with your peace, having the assurance that you are walking beside me every step of the way. Help me always remember that it’s the destination that matters; that my forever home is with you. Amen.
Songs for the journey
Psalm 73 (ForeverBeSure); Joy in the Journey (Michael Card); My Heart and My Flesh May Fail (Still Waters); Psalm 73 (Emu Music); As for Me (The Worship Initiative); Christ our Wisdom (Sovereign Grace).
What a beautiful devotion and a reminder of our destined hope and home.
Thanks Cai and amen!