When it seems all we ever see is trouble, adversity, challenging circumstances, chaos, and wickedness prospering, we're tempted sometimes to question God. If that's you (at times, it's been me), you're not alone in this. The psalmists in the Old Testament, particularly in Psalm, have asked the Lord why are there so many imbalances and injustices, and why does God seem quiet and silent in times of distress and need. Asaph was one such psalmist. He struggled with inward doubt and questions. Just like you and me.
He writes, "But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped" (Psalm 73:2). In verse one, he proclaims the goodness of God. But Asaph admitted he had nearly lost his footing. That means he almost fell into a deep, dark, and dangerous spiritual canyon that threatened to destroy his relationship with God. Here's how:
Asaph envied the foolish.
Asaph saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Asaph was shortsighted.
Asaph focused on the ungodly.
Asaph focused on wealth.
So, there's no question Asaph was devoted to God. There's no question Asaph loved God. There's absolutely no question Asaph's heart was full of faith and trust in the Lord. There's no question Asaph was a talented psalmist. However, Asaph had an observation issue. It's this: the godly people suffered while the wicked seemed to enjoy prosperity. In other words, he got his eyes off of what really mattered.
Asaph writes his struggle and victory in the 73rd Psalm during a time of severe testing of his faith. You could almost say that Asaph had a faith crisis. You wouldn't be wrong for thinking that. But like Asaph, we may go through a time when confusing questions with no answers on the horizon and, like Asaph, we will find our answers only when we enter into the presence of our loving Savior.
Through all of this, what caused Asaph to retreat from the crumbling abyss of confusion? We may not know how exactly it happened; however, there was a transformation that took place in his mind. He wrestled with the twisted ball of questions he thought he could never untangle ... "until." He said, "I went into the sanctuary of God" (Psalm 73:17). Maybe he heard some Levites singing joyously. Maybe someone in the sanctuary recited some verses of scripture that reminded Asaph of God's goodness and mercy. Whatever it was ... however it happened ... Asaph drew near to God. When that happened:
Asaph understood the fate of the wicked.
Asaph understood the faithfulness of God.
Asaph understood godly counsel.
Asaph understood the benefit of being near God at all times.
Asaph understood the importance of hearing God's voice, love, and presence.
Asaph discovered the all he ever needed was God. In any situation. In any challenging circumstance. Through any misunderstanding and chaos, Asaph discovered that trusting in God is paramount. He might not understand everything and though some things might seem unfair, Asaph still could place his faith, trust, and future in the hands of a loving God. Asaph proclaims, "I have put my trust in the Lord God" (Psalm 73:28).
Hey Asaph, (yes, there's an Asaph in all of us) when you go to the sanctuary, come expecting to meet the Lord God, Jesus Christ. If a dark cloud of discouragement hangs over you, Jesus can lift it. If there's fear and anxiety troubling you, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. If there's sin in your heart, Jesus forgives. When you just don't understand it all, Jesus is the answer.
Jesus welcomes us into His presence. He encourages us in our trials, chaos, challenging circumstances, and strengthens the Asaph in all of us. Your faith can be restored, Asaph.
Thanks for reading.
God bless,
Pastor Charles Gonzales