Psalm 73:15-17

Psalm 73:15-17

Now I understand!

These verses do not make sense in isolation. As we have seen in verses 13-14, the psalmist is plagued with doubts and reservations about the prosperity and lifestyle of the wicked, when compared with the righteous. As he looked at his own life and experiences, he felt embittered by the contrast, for he suffered afflictions and new punishments, daily.

Then Asaph entered the sanctuary of God, the inner courts of the Temple – and everything changed! Self-pity and envy flew out of the doorway to be replaced by understanding. “Thank goodness I didn’t speak out about my feelings,” he says, “What a betrayal that would have been. A public expression of my grievances would have caused a great deal of concern amongst God’s children.” In other words, shut up if you have doubts and fears, especially if you are in a place of leadership or authority over others.

Asaph admits that he was deeply troubled by the contrast in fortunes between the wicked and the righteous. It may be that whoever was on the throne of Israel at that moment was wicked but was also prospering greatly, whilst the faithful servants of God were struggling to make ends meet! The injustice and the confusion this created had deeply troubled our psalmist until, “I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.” These words should encourage us. If you have doubts and anxieties, take them to the Lord. And be sure of this, that whatever trials we are facing, they are but for a moment. In the same way, the pleasures of the world are temporary. What matters more is what lies beyond, eternal damnation or eternal riches at God’s right hand. That is the decision that faith has to make and I’m glad I’ve made the right one!

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