Do You Need to Change Your Perspective? (Psalm 72-74)
Have you ever felt like your faith in God was on the edge of a cliff? If you make one wrong move, you feel all might be lost. We see this reality reflected in Psalm 73.
Psalm 72-74
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Have you ever felt like your faith in God was on the edge of a cliff?
If you make one wrong move, you feel all might be lost. We see this reality reflected in Psalm 73. Situated after a Messianic psalm that is filled with hope for a good king, Psalm 73 takes a very different approach. “Psalm 72 strikes a high note. It is flush with hopes and dreams for the future. In contrast, Psalm 73 opens Book Three on a note of confusion and doubt.”[1] Verses 1-3 says:
1 God is indeed good to Israel,
to the pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
my steps nearly went astray.
3 For I envied the arrogant;
I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Here, we see the themes of this book: “God’s goodness, personal anguish, and the prosperity of the wicked.”[2] As Craig Broyles writes, “This psalm is a favorite for many because it rings so true to our feelings and experience. Many of us have felt disappointed in God. When we feel life has treated us unfairly, we often betray our belief in the sovereignty of God by blaming and abandoning him!”[3]
As we read this psalm, we notice a clear progression. The psalmist starts with dismay. But in verses 16-17, we see this shift. Here, the psalmist says, 16 “When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless 17 until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny.”
We’re not exactly sure what happens to change this psalmist’s orientation. “Perhaps,” Marvin Tate suggests, “the speaker was a participant in the worship at the temple in Jerusalem on one of the high days of festival time, where, like Isaiah of Jerusalem, a vision appeared of Yahweh high and lifted up upon his great heavenly throne, while priests and people chanted: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;/the whole earth is full of his glory.’”[4] It’s tough to say.
Regardless, we know that something changed. One moment, the psalmist was fearful. The next, he was confident and able to say in verse 26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.”
A Meditation to PRAY
Praise | Lord, I praise you for your goodness and faithfulness, even when the world around me seems unfair. You are my strength and my portion forever. Your wisdom and justice surpass all understanding, and I trust your perfect plan.
Repent | Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have envied the prosperity of the wicked and doubted your justice. I repent of my foolishness and ignorance, seeking your wisdom and perspective. Cleanse my heart from envy and discontent, and renew my trust in your righteous ways.
Ask | I ask for your guidance and understanding, Lord. Help me keep my eyes on you and trust your righteous plan. Give me the strength to endure and remain faithful, knowing that you hold me by my right hand. Fill me with your peace and assurance, even in the midst of life's challenges.
Yield | I yield my doubts and anxieties to you, Lord, trusting in your eternal goodness. I commit to drawing near to you, finding my true fulfillment and security in your presence. I surrender my will to yours, confident that your love and grace will sustain me always.
