Psalm 73 - All day long

Psalm 73 - All day long

Read: Psalm 73 vs 1-28

Psalm 73 was written by a person called ‘Asaph’. In the original Bible language (the Psalms were first written in Hebrew), the name Asaph means ‘a gatherer’. In this Psalm Asaph gathers together his experiences of life and of God.

Asaph’s starting point in verse 1 sees him express heartfelt trust in God:‘Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.’ But as we read on we discover that there is an internal battle going on in that word ‘surely’. Asaph is clinging on to God’s goodness in spite of what he is currently experiencing and in spite of what he sees going on all around him.

Verse 2 begins a really personal section where Asaph opens up about the struggles he has been facing as he seeks to make sense of life and where God is in the midst of it all. He has looked around him and he sees many people ‘the arrogant’ (vs 3) who are living their lives without any reference to God. 

‘They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens.’ 

Gathering his thoughts and writing this Psalm Asaph expresses genuine feelings of hurt. He has really done his best over the years to keep his heart pure (vs 13), he has, spiritually, tried to keep his hands clean (vs 13). Yet it seems that every day brings new afflictions (vs 14), while those around him who seem to ignore God are happily getting on with their lives. Thinking about all of this has troubled him greatly (vs 16). His soul has been burdened and heavy. 

Then in vs 17 Asaph makes a journey. He goes into ‘the sanctuary of God’, a place of worship. Suddenly at that moment his heart and mind are flooded by a sense of eternal perspective. He sees more than eyes can see. He realises that the godless have no eternal hope, indeed their only expectation is on of judgment (vs 20). He is overcome with an experience of God’s nearness, a nearness that holds him (vs 23), guides him, and that will one day take him into glory (vs 24). These words are not words of escapism or denial. These words are true and they explain why such a struggling psalm can end with words of hope and faith:

'My flesh and my heart may fail,

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

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.’ (vs 27-28)

Prayer: Lord when I gather my thoughts I am often troubled, and to be honest at times I can even feel bitter. Give me a bigger picture today of who You are and what life is. Help me to find rest and peace in that place. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.