Read a Psalm: Psalm 73

Psalm 73 (NET)

A psalm by Asaph

73:1 Certainly God is good to Israel,

     and to those whose motives are pure!

73:2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;

     my feet almost slid out from under me.

73:3 For I envied those who are proud,

     as I observed the prosperity of the wicked.

73:4 For they suffer no pain;

     their bodies are strong and well-fed.

73:5 They are immune to the trouble common to men;

     they do not suffer as other men do.

73:6 Arrogance is their necklace,

     and violence their clothing.

73:7 Their prosperity causes them to do wrong;

     their thoughts are sinful.

73:8 They mock and say evil things;

     they proudly threaten violence.

73:9 They speak as if they rule in heaven,

     and lay claim to the earth.

73:10 Therefore they have more than enough food to eat,

     and even suck up the water of the sea.

73:11 They say, “How does God know what we do?

     Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?”

73:12 Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like,

     those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer.

73:13 I concluded, “Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure

     and maintained a pure lifestyle.

73:14 I suffer all day long,

     and am punished every morning.”

73:15 If I had publicized these thoughts,

     I would have betrayed your loyal followers.

73:16 When I tried to make sense of this,

     it was troubling to me.

73:17 Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple,

     and understood the destiny of the wicked.

73:18 Surely you put them in slippery places;

     you bring them down to ruin.

73:19 How desolate they become in a mere moment!

     Terrifying judgments make their demise complete!

73:20 They are like a dream after one wakes up.

     O Lord, when you awake you will despise them.

73:21 Yes, my spirit was bitter,

     and my insides felt sharp pain.

73:22 I was ignorant and lacked insight;

     I was as senseless as an animal before you.

73:23 But I am continually with you;

     you hold my right hand.

73:24 You guide me by your wise advice,

     and then you will lead me to a position of honor.

73:25 Whom do I have in heaven but you?

     I desire no one but you on earth.

73:26 My flesh and my heart may grow weak,

     but God always protects my heart and gives me stability.

73:27 Yes, look! Those far from you die;

     you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you.

73:28 But as for me, God’s presence is all I need.

     I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter, 

     as I declare all the things you have done.

Outline/Stanza

1-9 Discouragement for the wicked seems blessed

10-14 Discouragement for living a godly life

15-20 Enlightenment after meeting with God

21-24 Faithfulness to God even if life is unfair

25-28 God is enough

Main Point: God is the blessing; he is our portion.

Prayer of response: Lord, let my heart be satisfied in You.