Find your Faltering, Flickering, Fading Faith under Fire (Psalm 73)

"…till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood …" (Ps 73:17). [Find your Faith that is Faltering and Flickering under Fire (Psalm 73)]

When your faith is challenged: Psalm 73 explores themes of faith, envy, and the ultimate justice of God. It highlights the challenge of faith when confronted with the visible success of the wicked, and the ultimate goodness, faithfulness and justice of God.

A. Faith professed (Ps 73:1). God is good.

B. Faith questioned (Ps 73:2-14). The evil of envy.

C. Faith refocused (Ps 73:15-20). A new perspective.

B1. Faith unquestioned (Ps 73:21-26). Guided by God's counsel.

A1. Faith affirmed (Ps 73:27-28). God's closeness is good.

A. Faith professed (Ps 73:1). God is good. Never doubt the goodness of God.

1. What is the psalmist's foundational belief and profession of faith (Ps 73:1)? Is this the main theme of Psalm 73?
• Why is God good to Israel (Gen 12:2-3)? Is God good to you? Why (Jn 3:16; 1 Jn 4:8, 16)?
• What does it mean to be "pure in heart" (Mt 5:8; Dt 6:4-5; 2 Pet 2:14)? What did Kierkegaard say?
• Is everyone in church "pure in heart"?

B. Faith questioned (Ps 73:2-14). The evil of envy.

1. What did the psalmist see (Ps 73:3) that caused him to almost lose his faith (Ps 73:4-6)?
   • What does envy and jealousy do to a person (Ps 73:2; Gen 3:1, 4-5)?
• Do they seem to die peacefully surrounded by loved ones (Ps 73:4)?
• What do they not seem to face (Ps 73:5)?
• What do they not hesitate to display (Ps 73:6)?
2. What is their appearance (Ps 73:7a)? Their thought world (Ps 73:7b)?
• Their speech and lifestyle (Ps 73:8-9)?
• Their influence (Ps 73:10)?
• Their thoughts about God (Ps 73:11, 9)?
• Their net worth (Ps 73:12)?
3. Compared to the wicked, what did the psalmist think about the way he lived (Ps 73:13)?
• How did he feel about his life (Ps 73:14)?
• What does "heart" and "hands" suggest?
• What caused him to think and feel like this (Job 1:9; 2:9)?

C. Faith refocused (Ps 73:15-20). Find a new perspective.

1. Despite his inner conflict, struggle and torment (Ps 73:16), who was he concerned about (Ps 73:15)? Why (Rom 14:113, 15, 21; 1 Cor 8:11-13)?
2. How does his view of God (Ps 73:17) differ from the wicked (Ps 73:11)? What did he discover and understand (Ps 73:17b)?
3. What is the ultimate destiny of the wicked (Ps 73:18-20, 27; Dan 12:2; Mt 7:23; 25:12)?

B1. Faith unquestioned (Ps 73:21-26). Go with your gut to God.

1. When he thought of himself with envy and self-pity (Ps 73:2-3, 13), what did he realize about himself (Ps 73:21-22; 49:12; 92:6; Prov 30:2; 2 Pet 2:12)? Was he different from the wicked?
2. When illuminated what did he realize about God (Ps 73:23; Jn 10:28)?
3. What is the difference between his "future" (Ps 73:24) and the future of the wicked (Ps 73:17, 18-20)?
• What does it mean to be taken "into glory" (Gen 5:24; 2 Ki 2:1, 3, 5, 9, 10)?
4. How should Christians discipline themselves living in this world (Ps 73:25-26; 1 Jn 2:15-17; 1 Pet 1:3-4)?

A1. Faith affirmed (Ps 73:27-28). Being close to God is good.

1. 
   

• Ps 73:1; Mt 5:8. What does it mean to be "pure in heart"? Pure means more than clean-minded, though it certainly includes it (2 Pet 2:14). Basically it is being totally committed to God. "heart" occurs 6x in this psalm (Ps 73:1, 7, 13, 21, 26 [twice]). 
• Ps 73:2-3. The evil of envy. The psalmist is refreshingly frank for his crisis of faith (Ps 73:2). He confesses to envy and to only judging what he saw (Ps 73:3). Spiritual self-interest and self-pity drains all the joy out of your life, making it impossible to enjoy what you have. The power of envy made even the Garden of Eden feel that it was not enough (Gen 3:1, 4-5).
• Ps 73:4-9. The sound and sleek. The elites, the beautiful people, have healthy, sleek bodies, which they display dauntingly (Ps 73:4) and arrogantly (Ps 73:6, 8). They have wealth and power to avoid the burdensome responsibilities most people face (Ps 73:5, 12). They are fortunate, but they take full credit for it (Ps 73:6, 8). The world considers them "blessed." Their vanity is intimidating, limitless, overblown, overweening and oppressive (Ps 73:7). The root for their arrogance is that they see no need for God, while laying claim to both heaven and earth (Ps 73:9).
• Ps 73:10-14. Do I get anything for being godly? Am I being godly for nothing? In the world sin seems to pay off and is even well thought of, even by the godly who are drawn to it and even seduced by it (Ps 73:10). It is the worship of success and wealth. It unmasks the psalmist's heart. His obedience was not a way of pleasing God but rather a means of getting God to give him what he wants and expects. God has become just a necessary apparatus for his own gain and benefit. In every difficult situation, God is saying, "Are you serving Me for Me or for something else?" As Satan says to God, "Does Job fear God for nothing?" (Job 1:9).
• Ps 73:15-20. The dawn of truth. Turn from self-interest (Ps 73:3) and self-pity (Ps 73:13) to remember basic responsibilities and loyalties (Ps 73:15). Though the psalmist had no answer from God (Ps 73:16), the shift of attention released him from fixation on those who prosper and succeed in the world (Ps 73:3-5, 9, 12). The first step out of the sinkhole of resentment and envy is to enter the presence of God with His long-term perspective (Ps 73:17): the rich without God will be eternally poor (Ps 73:18); the celebrities without God who receive all the attention of the world will one day be ignored (Ps 73:18-19). All the world's power and wealth are like a dream. They can neither enhance nor ruin a Christian's deepest identity, happiness and inheritance.
• Ps 73:21-26. Self-awareness and future confidence. The antidote for envy and self-pity is humility. The psalmist knew that his sin hurt him (Ps 73:2, 13) and others (Ps 73:15). Finally he saw he had been as arrogant toward God as the people he despised. There is in us a fierce, instinctive self-will as unthinking and inhuman as that of a wild beast (Ps 73:21-22). Deep in us something snarls, "No one tells me what to do." Only by admitting this darkness within can the glorious word of grace--"yet" (Ps 73:23)--dawn on him. God will never let him go. Only when we see the depth of our sin will we be electrified by the wonder of grace.
• Ps 73:27-28. The certainty of personal conviction. 

Quotes:

• "The state of the heart determines whether a man lives in the truth, in which God's goodness is experienced, or in the semblance of truth, where the fact that it 'goes ill' with him is confused with the illusion that God is not good to him" (Martin Buber, Right and Wrong, 1952).
• "Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times." - Martin Luther.
• "Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation." - Andrew Murray
• "Faith is unseen but felt, faith is strength when we feel we have none, faith is hope when all seems lost." - Catherine Pulsifer
• "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." - Martin Luther King Jr. 
• "Faith is believing BEFORE what will only make sense AFTER." - Romans 8:31, 28; Gen 50:20.
• "Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them." - Alistair Begg
• "Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light." - Helen Keller
• "Faith is like radar that sees through the fog -- the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see." - Corrie Ten Boom
• "God will always be with you, even in the darkest storms."
• "Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods." - C.S. Lewis

The psalmist is struggling with envy and bitterness as he observes the apparent prosperity of the wicked.

What is the initial declaration about God's character in Psalm 73:1, and how does it contrast with the psalmist's own experience and feelings?

How does the psalmist describe the prosperity and circumstances of the wicked in Psalm 73:3-12?

What are the specific behaviors and attitudes of the wicked, as mentioned in these verses?

What impact does the prosperity of the wicked have on the psalmist's faith and perspective, as seen in Psalm 73:2, 13?

How does the psalmist describe his own experience and struggles in these verses?

What emotions and inner turmoil does the psalmist express regarding the apparent success of the wicked?

How does the psalmist's experience in these verses reflect common struggles with envy and doubt in our own lives?

What do you think the psalmist is wrestling with in terms of his faith and understanding of God's justice and goodness?  

What is the turning point in the psalmist's perspective, and how does he find resolution to his doubts?

1. What foundational belief do we see Asaph holds in verse 1? (Psalm 73:1)
2. In what way had Asaph almost stumbled? (Psalm 73:2-3)
3. What lesson do we learn from this about where to search for answers to life's tough questions? (Psalm 73:16-17)
4. What answer did Asaph discover to this problem? (Psalm 73:17-20)
5. What will finally happen to the wicked? When will this happen? Who will cause it to happen? (Psalm 73:18-19, 27)
6. What do these verses teach us about God's character? (Psalm 73:23-26)
7. How do we see Asaph's attitude changing in verse 22? (Psalm 73:22)
8. How do we see prayer changing his feelings and attitude as he moves through the Psalm? (Psalm 73:28)

The turning point is in Psalm 73:17-20, where the psalmist enters the sanctuary of God and gains a new perspective on the destiny of the wicked.
What does the psalmist ultimately conclude about the fate of the wicked and the righteous?

He concludes that the wicked, despite their apparent prosperity, are on a slippery path towards destruction, while the righteous are held by God and will be ultimately rewarded.
How does the psalmist describe his relationship with God in Psalm 73:23-26?

He describes his nearness to God, acknowledging that God is his strength, portion, and refuge.
What are the psalmist's final thoughts and expressions of faith in Psalm 73:27-28?

The psalmist expresses his commitment to remain near God, to make the Lord his refuge, and to proclaim His deeds.

A Mirror to Who You Truly Are

Repay Evil for Evil

"In the old days, people demanded 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,' and to repay evil for evil. Patience was not yet on the earth, because faith was not on the earth either. Of course, impatience made full use of the opportunities the Law gave it. That was easy when the Lord and Master of patience was not here. But now that he has come and put the grace of faith together with patience, we are no longer allowed to attack someone even with a word—not even to call someone a fool without facing the danger of judgment. The Law found more than it lost when Christ said, 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven' (Matthew 5:44-45). This most important commandment summarizes in a word the universal discipline of patience, since it does not allow us to do evil even to people who deserve it."—Tertullian

When Your World Falls Apart (Psalm 3-7)

When Life Takes a Turn for the Worst (Psalm 3-7)

1. Psalm 3: Facing a New Day (Ps 3:5-6). Peace amid danger (Ps 3:8).
2. Psalm 4: Facing Another Night (Ps 4:4; 6:6). Joy apart from circumstances (Ps 4:7-8).
3. Psalm 5: Starting a New Day (Ps 5:3).
4. Psalm 6: Waiting is Hard (Ps 6:1-4). Prayers and tears (Ps 6:6-9).
5. Psalm 7: A Conscience without Offence (Ps 7:3-5). A cry for justice (Ps 7:6-11).

Psalm 3 is one of 14 psalms that are linked with historical episodes, all in the life of David (Ps 3, 7, 18, 30, 34, 51, 52, 54, 56, 57, 59, 60, 63, 142). David's son Absalom, whom he loved, was trying to kill him. This family dysfunction was David's own fault. He never addressed Absalom's murder of his brother. Now David is fleeing to save his own life. David faces personal grief (2 Sam 18:33) and pressing issues: a rising tide of disloyalty (Ps 3:1, 6; 2 Sam 15:13), the rumor that God has withdrawn from him (Ps 3:2; 2 Sam 15:26) and the precarious state of his people (Ps 3:8).

Psalm 4 describes the approach to night with its temptation to brood on past wrongs (Ps 4:4) in the midst of present perils (Ps 4:1-2). Despite the most wounding of aspersions and discouragements, David recounts God's calling (Ps 4:3).

Psalm 5 is a morning psalm (Ps 5:3) when David is surrounded by enemies, who are seldom absent from David's psalms. Despite their presence, David goes to God (Ps 5:7). He prays to be led by God's righteousness (Ps 5:8, 12) and for their demise by their own counsel and plans (Ps 5:10; 2 Sam 15:31). Despite being hemmed in by his own troubles he is conscious of those who join him in praise (Ps 5:11).

Psalm 6 is the first of 7 "penitential" psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143). It vividly describes the agonizing anguish by one who is deeply troubled and alarmed (Ps 6:1-4) as well as his prayers and tears (Ps 6:6-9). David is not pleading against rebuke, correction and discipline (Ps 6:1, 38:1-4), but that it may be tempered with mercy (Ps 6:2). He is tormented in mind and body with an uneasy conscience, and appeals to grace to temper the discipline he deserves.

Psalm 7

1. What was the context or situation in which David wrote this Psalm (Ps 3:1; 2 Samuel 15-13ff)?
   
2. Who is God to David in the midst of trouble and adversity (Ps 3:3-4, 7-8)?
   
3. How is David able to sleep in such a time (Ps 3:5-6)?

Let nothing disturb you

Happiness (Psalm 1-2)

How to be Happy Living in the World (Psalm 1-2). Psalm 1 contrasts the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the importance of delighting in God's Word.

Ø  Is there a key to happiness? Or is it a secret known only to a very few select people?

Ø  What do you think you need to do to be happy and not unhappy?

1. How can you avoid ungodly influences in your life (Ps 1:1)? What does it mean to walk, stand and sit?
2. What does it mean to "delight"? To "meditate" on God's law day and night (Ps 1:2)? How can we incorporate this into our daily lives?
3. What are the benefits of being like a tree planted by streams of water? How does this relate to a steadfast faith? (Psalm 1:3)
4. What is the destiny of the wicked, and why does it contrast with the righteous? (Psalm 1:4-6)

• **How can you encourage others to walk in the path of righteousness as described in Psalm 1 as the (only) way to be happy?

Psalm 2 ("The Sovereign Lord and His Anointed One") emphasizes God's sovereignty and the anointed role of His Son, Jesus Christ.

1. What is the world's attitude toward God (in particular the rulers and leaders) (Ps 2:1-3)? How does God respond to their rebellion (Ps 2:4-6)? What should rulers and those with money and power know and do (Ps 2:10-12)?
2. Who is the "Anointed One" and how does this foreshadow the future reign of Christ as the Messiah, the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Ps 2:2, Ac 4:25-27, Heb 1:5; Rev 19:16)? What is His authority and role (Ps 2:7-9; Ac 13:33)?
3. How do you "serve the Lord with fear" and "celebrate with trembling" (Ps 2:11)?
4. What does it mean for the nations to "kiss the Son" (Ps 2:12)? Why is this important and significant for our happiness?
5. What do you learn about God's sovereignty and about God's coming kingdom on earth (Ps 2:8; Mt 6:10)? How does understanding this give you peace and happiness? What should you do (Rom 10:9-10)?

	NIV	Robert Altar	Alec Motyer
1	Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,	Happy is the man who has not walked in the wicked's counsel, nor in the way of offenders has stood, nor in the session of scoffers has sat.	Blessed is the man who has determined not to walk according to the advice of wicked people, nor, according to the way of sinners, to take his stand, nor in the seat of cynics, to sit.
2	but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.	But the LORD's teaching is his desire, and His teaching he murmurs day and night.	To the contrary, in Yahweh's teaching is his pleasure, and in his teaching he meditates day and night.
3	That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.	And he shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither—and in all that he does he prospers.	Consequently, he is like a tree, transplanted beside channels of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither—and whatever he does, he prospers.
4	Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.	Not so the wicked, but like chaff that the wind blows away.	Not so the wicked ones! To the contrary—like chaff which the wind drives about!
5	Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.	Therefore the wicked will not stand up in judgment, nor offenders in the band of the righteous.	Therefore, the wicked ones will not rise up in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous ones.
6	For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.	For the LORD embraces the way of the righteous, and the way of the wicked is lost.	because Yahweh knows the way of righteous ones, and the way of the wicked ones will perish.

Wounds are Healed from the Heart, not the Head (Henri Nouwen)

Live Your Wounds. You have been wounded in many ways. The more you open yourself to being healed, the more you will discover how deep your wounds are.... The great challenge is living your wounds through instead of thinking them through. It is better to cry than to worry, better to feel your wounds deeply than to understand them, better to let them enter into your silence than to talk about them. The choice you face constantly is whether you are taking your hurts to your head or to your heart. In your head you can analyze them, find their causes and consequences, and coin words to speak and write about them. But no final healing is likely to come from that source. You need to let your wounds go down to your heart. Then you can live through them and discover that they will not destroy you. Your heart is greater than your wounds.

Love the Creator in His Creature, the Maker in what He has Made

Imagine Yourself as a Living House (CS Lewis)

"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself."—C. S. Lewis