Day 7: Psalm 73

Read Psalm 73

Helpful Background Information:  

• Psalm 73, written by Asaph, explores the tension between what we believe about God and what we see in the world. Asaph begins by affirming God’s goodness but quickly confesses his struggle: the wicked seem to thrive while the faithful suffer. He admits that envy almost caused him to stumble in his faith. From his limited, earthly view, it looked like evil people had it easy; they were wealthy, proud, and untouched by hardship. Meanwhile, Asaph felt like his obedience to God had gotten him nowhere but trouble. His honest wrestling reflects something many believers feel but are afraid to admit: “Why am I doing all this if my life is hard and theirs is not?” The turning point comes in verse 17: “Until I went into the sanctuary of God.”

Reflection Questions: 

• How does envy or comparison fuel a sense of busyness or restlessness in your life?

• What changed for Asaph when he entered the sanctuary of God?

• “It is good to be near God.” v. 28 What would it look like for that to become a defining rhythm in your week?

• Psalm 73 does not end with a change in circumstances. It ends with a renewed heart. How can taking time to remember the end (eternity with God) reframe the hard things you’re walking through right now?