THIS EPISODE:
In the late 1500’s, a Spanish Carmelite monk wrote a deeply reflective poem about the spiritual crises that must occur in our journey toward true devotion to Christ. In “The Dark Night” he describes how some face these critical moments and grow, while others give up the faith.
No doubt Asaph wrote Psalm 73 to aid us in the same inflection point that we all encounter at some time. Because we too go through crises of faith—through dark nights in which our journey towards true devotion to Christ faces a test that challenges our faith in Christ to the core. And Asaph wants to show us how to successfully navigate through this dark night.
Let's unpack this and more in today's message…
PRIMARY TEXT:
Psalm 73 (CSB)
God’s Ways Vindicated | A psalm of Asaph
1 God is indeed good to Israel,
to the pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
my steps nearly went astray.
3 For I envied the arrogant;
I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have an easy time until they die,[a]
and their bodies are well fed.[b]
5 They are not in trouble like others;
they are not afflicted like most people.
6 Therefore, pride is their necklace,
and violence covers them like a garment.
7 Their eyes bulge out from fatness;
the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
8 They mock, and they speak maliciously;
they arrogantly threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against heaven,
and their tongues strut across the earth.
10 Therefore his people turn to them[c]
and drink in their overflowing words.[d]
11 The wicked say, “How can God know?
Does the Most High know everything?”
12 Look at them—the wicked!
They are always at ease,
and they increase their wealth.
13 Did I purify my heart
and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?
14 For I am afflicted all day long
and punished every morning.
15 If I had decided to say these things aloud,
I would have betrayed your people.[e]
16 When I tried to understand all this,
it seemed hopeless[f]
17 until I entered God’s sanctuary.
Then I understood their destiny.
18 Indeed, you put them in slippery places;
you make them fall into ruin.
19 How suddenly they become a desolation!
They come to an end, swept away by terrors.
20 Like one waking from a dream,
Lord, when arising, you will despise their image.
21 When I became embittered
and my innermost being[g] was wounded,
22 I was stupid and didn’t understand;
I was an unthinking animal toward you.
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me up in glory.[h]
25 Who do I have in heaven but you?
And I desire nothing on earth but you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength[i] of my heart,
my portion forever.
27 Those far from you will certainly perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, God’s presence is my good.
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
so I can tell about all you do.
