Psa 73 | MHM | STEP | The Temptation and Triumph of Faith This section explores the struggle of a believer who is troubled by the success of wicked people. The psalmist, Asaph, is honest about the doubts and confusion he feels when he sees good people suffering and evil people doing well. He shows us how easy it is to become discouraged when life seems unfair, but also how God can help us understand things from a higher perspective, leading us to trust Him even when we do not have all the answers. v. 1 : Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart . The psalmist begins by stating a truth he knows: God is truly good to His people, especially to those who are pure and sincere in their hearts. Even though he has struggled with doubts, he holds onto this fact. It is important to keep this truth in mind, even when we do not see God's goodness right away.

‏ Psalms 73

The Temptation and Triumph of Faith

This section explores the struggle of a believer who is troubled by the success of wicked people. The psalmist, Asaph, is honest about the doubts and confusion he feels when he sees good people suffering and evil people doing well. He shows us how easy it is to become discouraged when life seems unfair, but also how God can help us understand things from a higher perspective, leading us to trust Him even when we do not have all the answers.

v. 1: Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart . The psalmist begins by stating a truth he knows: God is truly good to His people, especially to those who are pure and sincere in their hearts. Even though he has struggled with doubts, he holds onto this fact. It is important to keep this truth in mind, even when we do not see God's goodness right away.

v. 2: But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold . The writer admits that he almost gave up and stopped trusting God. He was close to falling into doubt and losing his faith. This can happen to anyone when they see things in life that do not seem fair.

v. 3: For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 73:3 ^a). He explains that his struggle began when he became jealous of proud and evil people. He saw that they were successful and seemed to have an easy life, while he was facing difficulties. This made him question why God allows such things.

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The End of the Wicked

In this section, the psalmist shows how he overcame the temptation to envy the success of wicked people. He learned to control his thoughts and words, remembering the effect his words could have on God’s people. By seeking God in prayer and worship, he came to understand the true end of the wicked. Their easy lives are only for a short time. In the end, it is better to be faithful to God than to enjoy temporary success apart from Him.

v. 15: The psalmist says, If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children . He realized that if he spoke out his doubts about serving God, he would hurt others’ faith. Even if he felt discouraged, he chose not to spread those doubts among God’s people.

v. 16: He admits, When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me . Trying to understand why the wicked prosper was confusing and hard for him. Human reasoning alone could not solve this problem.

v. 17: Then, Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end . When he turned to God in worship and prayer, he saw the truth about the wicked. Their happiness is only temporary, and their end is destruction. God gives us true understanding when we seek Him.

v. 18: He says, Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction . The wicked may seem secure, but they are actually in a dangerous position. Their success can disappear quickly, because it does not rest on God’s favor.

v. 19: The psalmist continues, How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors . Their ruin comes suddenly and completely. The terror they experience is final and cannot be escaped.

v. 20: He explains, As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image . The prosperity of the wicked is like a dream—unreal and passing. When God judges, their success will vanish, and everyone will see how empty it was. We should not envy people who seem to succeed without God, because their happiness will not last.

Bitterness and Restoration in God’s Presence

This section describes the turning point for the psalmist Asaph, when he realizes how bitterness and doubt had affected his heart. He recounts how, after struggling with envy and confusion about the prosperity of the wicked, he finally understands the truth by coming into God’s presence. The verses reflect his honest confession, his repentance, and the comfort he finds in God’s nearness.

v. 21: Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins . The psalmist admits that his heart was full of pain and he felt deeply troubled inside. His doubts and jealousy over the success of wicked people had made him bitter. But now, he feels the pain of knowing he was wrong to question God’s justice. His conscience is awakened, and he feels sorry for his bad thoughts.

v. 22: So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee . He confesses that he was thinking like an animal, not understanding God’s ways. He acted foolishly, forgetting God’s wisdom and love. When we let feelings control us and do not trust God, we are like animals who do not understand. The psalmist is ashamed that he lost sight of God’s goodness.

v. 23: Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand . Even though he had foolish thoughts, God did not leave him. Instead, God stayed close and supported him. The psalmist realizes that God is always with him, guiding him and keeping him safe. This is a great comfort: even when we are weak or make mistakes, God still holds us and cares for us.

v. 24: Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory . Now, the psalmist trusts that God will guide him through life with wise advice. He knows that at the end of his life, God will welcome him into glory—meaning God’s presence forever. This is the hope for everyone who stays close to God: He will lead us now, and one day take us to be with Him.

v. 25: Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee . The psalmist declares that God is the most important person in his life. Nothing in heaven or on earth can compare to God. After his struggle, he realizes that only God can truly satisfy his heart. When we put God first, we find that He is all we truly need.

v. 26: My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever . He admits that human strength and emotions will sometimes fail, but God gives him strength and lasting hope. God is his “portion,” meaning his inheritance and greatest treasure, now and forever.

v. 27: For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee . Those who turn away from God and chase after other things will be destroyed in the end. The psalmist now understands that what matters most is being near to God, because those who are far from Him will not last.

v. 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 (Psalm 73:28 ^b). The psalmist finishes by saying it is best to stay close to God and trust Him. He wants to tell others about God’s wonderful deeds. The lesson is that, even in confusion or trouble, it is always good to draw near to God, trust Him, and share with others what He has done.