The book of Psalms is a collection of 150 songs and poems written by various authors, including King David, Asaph, and the sons of Korah. Each psalm is unique in its style and content, but all of them express deep emotions and thoughts about God, life, and faith. Psalm 73 is one of the psalms attributed to Asaph and is considered one of the most profound and insightful psalms in the entire collection.

Asaph was a biblical figure who appears in the Old Testament. He was a Levite, a descendant of Levi, and was one of the chief musicians and singers in the Temple of Jerusalem during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. Asaph is mentioned in several Psalms, which he is believed to have written or co-authored, including Psalms 50 and 73-83. Asaph was also known for his prophetic gifts, and he may have played a role in advising the kings of Israel on spiritual matters.

Psalm 73 begins with a confession of faith: "Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart." (verse 1). Asaph acknowledges that God is good and faithful to His people, but he soon expresses his inner struggle. He admits that he was envious of the wicked and the prosperous, who seemed to have no trouble or pain in their lives. Asaph says, "For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." (verse 3)

Asaph's envy was not only of their wealth and success, but also their apparent freedom from suffering and pain. He saw them living in luxury, indulging in pleasures, and even mocking God, yet they seemed to be thriving. Asaph, on the other hand, was suffering, facing trials and troubles, and wondering if his faith and devotion to God were in vain. He says, "For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind." (verses 4-5)

Asaph's inner turmoil was not just about the apparent injustice of life, but also about the fairness of God. He wondered why God would allow the wicked to prosper and the righteous to suffer. Asaph confesses, "All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning." (verses 13-14)

Asaph's struggle reaches its climax in verse 16 when he says, "But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task." He could not comprehend the ways of God and the mysteries of life. His faith was shaken, and his heart was troubled.

However, Asaph's perspective changed when he entered the sanctuary of God (verse 17). In the presence of God, he realized the ultimate destiny of the wicked and the righteous. He saw that the prosperity of the wicked was only temporary and that their end was destruction. Asaph says, "Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!" (verses 18-19)

Asaph also saw the goodness of God and the blessings of the righteous. He recognized that God was with him and that his ultimate destiny was in the hands of God. Asaph says, "Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward, you will receive me to glory." (verses 23-24)

In the end, Asaph's struggle was resolved, and his faith was strengthened. He realized that the ways of God are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Asaph says, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (verses 25-26)

Psalm 73 teaches us that it is natural to struggle with doubts and questions

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