Psalm 73

Partial article by: Bob Deffinbaugh

In one sense, verse 1 is the conclusion of the matter. Asaph believed that God existed, that He was good, and that He was sovereign. In another sense, however, this verse was the basis of the psalmist’s problem. If God exists, and He is good so as to reward the righteous, and He is all-powerful, totally in control of His creation, then why is it that in God’s world the wicked seem to be doing better than the righteous? Aren’t the facts inconsistent with Asaph’s faith? How can God be good to the pure in heart if observation convinces us that sinners succeed and saints suffer?

This is a serious spiritual issue and one that has precipitated widely diverging explanations.

1. The atheist answers by explaining that there is no God.
   
2. The cynic says that there is a God, but denies that He is good. Life is just one of God’s cruel jokes.
   
3. The liberal believes that there is a God who is loving, good, and kind. He explains suffering by denying the sovereignty of God. God is all-good, but not all-powerful. As a liberal preacher once said in the funeral message he delivered for a young wife and mother who died of cancer, “I am convinced that it was not the will of God for this woman to die.” He believed in God’s existence and His goodness, but not in His greatness. If it was not God’s will for that woman to die, and yet she did die, God must have been willing, but not able, to spare her from death.

So in light of all these, sometimes it is tempting to want things of the evil ones. To desire to be in the tent of the wicked one instead. To focus our attention to gain, since the evil ones are enjoying it and seem to be blessed, why couldn't I?

Have a read in Psalm 73 and ask God to open your heart to His message.

continue next week.....