PSALM 73
The psalm begins with “God is good” and ends with “It is good” (v. 28), but between those statements, things are not so good!
The philosopher. Asaph’s basic premise was correct: God is good. But when he pondered the success of the wicked and the sorrows of the righteous, he began to falter in his faith. It seemed that he was wasting his time and energy being faithful to God because the unfaithful received all the blessings. He did not realize that what he called “good” was not what God would call “good.” He was walking by sight and not by faith.
The worshiper. The turning point came when he went into the sanctuary and started looking at things from God’s viewpoint. The important thing is not so much what you own or enjoy but where you are going. What good is an easy death (v. 4) if it ushers you into pain? When life seems unfair, take time to worship and get your spiritual vision properly focused.
The friend. Asaph realized that because he had God as his Friend, he needed nothing else. He had more than the wicked, and what he had would last forever. God would hold him, guide him, strengthen him, satisfy his spiritual desires—and one day, take him to heaven!
We are not philosophers, living on man’s explanations. We are pilgrims, living on God’s promises, and His promises never fail.