Psalm 73

 Psalm 73

A psalm of Asaph. (Compare with Psalm37)

1 Truly God is good to Israel,

    to those whose hearts are pure.

2 But as for me, I almost lost my footing.

    My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.

3 For I envied the proud

    when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. (Psalm 37:1; Prov3:31-32)

4 They seem to live such painless lives;

    their bodies are so healthy and strong.

5 They don’t have troubles like other people;

    they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.

6 They wear pride like a jeweled necklace

    and clothe themselves with cruelty.

7 These fat cats have everything

    their hearts could ever wish for!

*But remember: Jeremiah17:9: This is why we MUST surrender our hearts to God - psalm37:4*

8 They scoff and speak only evil;

    in their pride they seek to crush others.

9 They boast against the very heavens,

    and their words strut throughout the earth.

10 And so the people are dismayed and confused,

    drinking in all their words.

*And yet: Proverbs2:12-13*

11 “What does God know?” they ask.

    “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” (Hosea 7:2)

12 Look at these wicked people—

    enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.

13 Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?

    Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?

14 I get nothing but trouble all day long;

    every morning brings me pain. (Isaiah 49:4)

15 If I had really spoken this way to others,

    I would have been a traitor to your people.

16 So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.

    But what a difficult task it is! 

17 Then I went into your sanctuary, O God,

    and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. (Psalm37:7)

18 Truly, you put them on a slippery path

    and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. (Proverbs 16:18)

19 In an instant they are destroyed,

    completely swept away by terrors. (Psalm37:35-36)

20 When you arise, O Lord,

    you will laugh at their silly ideas (Psalm2:4-6)

    as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

21 Then I realized that my heart was bitter,

    and I was all torn up inside. (Psalm37:8)

22 I was so foolish and ignorant—

    I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

23 Yet I still belong to you;

    you hold my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,

    leading me to a glorious destiny.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you? (John6:67-68)

    I desire YOU more than ANYTHING on earth.-*Compare to vs.7 - This is why the psalmist can confidently say “I still belong to You.”*

26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

    but God remains the strength of my heart;

    he is mine forever. (1Sam16:7) *It is the HEART that matters to God;  BUT: Jeremiah17:9.  Therefore: Ezekiel 36:26 & Jeremiah 31:33*

27 Those who desert him will perish,

    for you destroy those who abandon you.

28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God!

    I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, (Psalm37:39)

    and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

*To make God our shelter- to hide in Him - we must surrender & lay bare everything else (Joshua2:8)*