How Good It Is! – Psalm 73 Part 7

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: Psalm 73 (Click Link)

25 Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. 26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. 27 Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. 28 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 73:25-28 NLT)

Our old friend Asaph has thought some hard thoughts, felt some deep emotions, and said some strong words in his Psalm. It’s all been very real, and I admire him for trusting God enough to be honest about it. He didn’t let it fester inside him and wither his soul. He didn’t stuff his feelings until anger became resentment, and resentment became bitterness, and he became a grumpy old man who trusts no one and hates everyone. That can happen, you know!

He could have just pretended everything was alright. His faith could have withered into religious superstitions, rules and regulations, and a holier-than-thou attitude. That could have happened, but Asaph pressed on through the desert of doubt, the dark canyon of questions, and the forest of frustration until he met God in the sanctuary. And he finished with this song of thanks and praise:

Oh God, I desire you more than anything on earth or in heaven.

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

But God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever!

How good it is to be near God! I choose to trust you, Sovereign LORD

And I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do!

Friends, Asaph’s crisis of faith was real! He envied the proud and wicked, who seem to get away with everything, but he was honest about it. He questioned the value of trying to be good and do the right things. He remained aware of his influence on others and his responsibility not to cause them to stumble on their journey. He realized that the answer was not in changing others, but in getting his own heart in tune with God. He persevered through all the doubts, anger, questions, and frustrations, coming right into God’s restoring, healing presence! Let’s be like Asaph!

Prayer:

Father, You are good even when we’re not. You love us because you are good, not because we are good. Thanks for your faithfulness. I will love and trust you always!