Finding Clarity and Joy in God's Presence

Devotional

Day 1: Clarity in God's Presence

In Psalm 73, Asaph grapples with the perplexing reality of the wicked prospering while the righteous suffer. His faith wavers as he envies the prosperity of the wicked, but he finds clarity and peace when he enters God's presence. This experience teaches us that true understanding and peace come when we draw near to God. In His presence, our doubts and questions find clarity, and we gain a perspective that transcends our immediate circumstances. This encourages us to prioritize time with God, especially when faced with life's perplexities. [02:13]

Psalm 73:16-17 (ESV): "But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel confused or doubtful? How can you intentionally seek God's presence to gain clarity and peace in that area today?

Day 2: Valuing Prophetic Voices

Psalm 74 highlights the absence of prophets as a sign of divine abandonment, reminding us to cherish the presence of prophetic voices and answered prayers in our lives. Prophetic voices guide us and keep us aligned with God's will, offering wisdom and direction. We should be grateful for the spiritual leaders who speak truth into our lives and help us navigate our spiritual journey. This calls us to be attentive and responsive to the guidance God provides through His chosen messengers. [04:54]

Amos 3:7 (ESV): "For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets."

Reflection: Who are the prophetic voices in your life that guide and encourage you? How can you show appreciation and attentiveness to their guidance today?

Day 3: Trusting God's Timing for Promotion

Psalm 75 teaches that true promotion and exaltation come from God, not from human sources. This encourages us to seek God's approval and trust His timing for our advancement, rather than striving for recognition from others. It reminds us that God sees our faithfulness and will lift us up in due time. We are called to focus on being faithful in our current circumstances, trusting that God will promote us according to His perfect plan. [05:36]

1 Peter 5:6 (ESV): "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you seeking recognition or promotion? How can you shift your focus to seeking God's approval and trusting His timing today?

Day 4: Seeking Depth in God's Sanctuary

Psalm 77 invites us to seek God's way in the sanctuary, away from superficial believers. This calls us to pursue a deeper relationship with God, surrounding ourselves with those who are wholehearted in their faith. It challenges us to prioritize spiritual depth over superficiality in our walk with God. By seeking God's way in the sanctuary, we find guidance and strength to navigate life's challenges with a steadfast heart. [06:36]

Psalm 77:13 (ESV): "Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?"

Reflection: How can you create space in your life to seek God's way more deeply? What steps can you take to surround yourself with others who are committed to a deep and authentic faith?

Day 5: Joy in God's Presence

Psalm 84 celebrates the joy and strength found in dwelling in God's presence, even in times of sorrow. It encourages us to make God's presence our dwelling place, where we find comfort, strength, and joy. This psalm reminds us that true fulfillment comes from being close to God, regardless of our circumstances. By prioritizing time in God's presence, we experience the joy and peace that only He can provide. [11:21]

Psalm 84:10 (ESV): "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to dwell more consistently in God's presence? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment in your relationship with Him today?

Sermon Summary

Psalm 73 begins the third book of the Psalms, addressing the age-old question of why the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer. Asaph, the psalmist, candidly shares his struggles with envy and doubt, admitting that his faith nearly faltered. He realized the futility of his doubts only when he entered God's presence, where he found clarity and understanding. This journey of faith teaches us the importance of drawing near to God to gain perspective on life's challenges.

Psalm 74 expresses concern over the destruction of God's sanctuary, highlighting the absence of prophets as a sign of divine abandonment. It serves as a reminder to cherish the presence of prophetic voices and answered prayers in our lives. Psalm 75 emphasizes that promotion and exaltation come from God, not from human sources, encouraging us to seek God's approval rather than man's.

Psalm 76 reassures us that even human wrath will ultimately bring praise to God, while Psalm 77 invites us to seek God's way in the sanctuary, away from superficial believers. Psalm 78 recounts Israel's history, urging us to remember God's past faithfulness and our own unfaithfulness, fostering gratitude and humility.

Psalm 79 and 80 express a deep concern for the purity of the church, while Psalm 81 encourages us to open our mouths wide in faith, expecting great things from God. Psalm 82 reminds us of our divine identity as children of the Most High, and Psalm 83 recounts the resilience of Israel and the church against their enemies.

Psalm 84 celebrates the joy of dwelling in God's presence, even in times of sorrow, while Psalm 85 is a cry for revival and renewal. Psalm 86 is a prayer for a united heart, and Psalm 87 exalts the church as the source of all joy. Psalm 88 reflects on deep suffering, echoing the path of Jesus, and Psalm 89 praises God's faithfulness, emphasizing reverence in the church.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of God's Presence: Asaph's journey in Psalm 73 teaches us that true understanding and peace come when we draw near to God. In His presence, our doubts and questions find clarity, and we gain a perspective that transcends our immediate circumstances. This encourages us to prioritize time with God, especially when faced with life's perplexities. [02:13]
2. Cherishing Prophetic Voices: Psalm 74 highlights the absence of prophets as a sign of divine abandonment. This reminds us to value and heed the prophetic voices in our lives, as they guide us and keep us aligned with God's will. We should be grateful for the spiritual leaders who speak truth into our lives and help us navigate our spiritual journey. [04:54]
3. God's Sovereignty in Promotion: Psalm 75 teaches that true promotion and exaltation come from God, not from human sources. This encourages us to seek God's approval and trust His timing for our advancement, rather than striving for recognition from others. It reminds us that God sees our faithfulness and will lift us up in due time. [05:36]
4. The Sanctuary of God's Way: Psalm 77 invites us to seek God's way in the sanctuary, away from superficial believers. This calls us to pursue a deeper relationship with God, surrounding ourselves with those who are wholehearted in their faith. It challenges us to prioritize spiritual depth over superficiality in our walk with God. [06:36]
5. The Joy of Dwelling in God's Presence: Psalm 84 celebrates the joy and strength found in dwelling in God's presence, even in times of sorrow. It encourages us to make God's presence our dwelling place, where we find comfort, strength, and joy. This psalm reminds us that true fulfillment comes from being close to God, regardless of our circumstances. [11:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - Introduction to Book 3 of Psalms
[00:53] - The Struggle of Asaph in Psalm 73
[02:13] - Finding Clarity in God's Presence
[04:14] - The Absence of Prophets in Psalm 74
[05:36] - God's Sovereignty in Promotion
[06:36] - Seeking God's Way in the Sanctuary
[07:20] - Remembering God's Faithfulness in Psalm 78
[08:35] - Concern for the Church's Purity
[09:37] - Expecting Great Things from God
[10:32] - Our Divine Identity in Psalm 82
[11:21] - Joy in God's Presence in Psalm 84
[12:47] - Cry for Revival in Psalm 85
[14:57] - God's Faithfulness in Psalm 89
[15:50] - Conclusion of Book 3 and Introduction to Book 4

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 73:1-28
- Psalm 74:1-9
- Psalm 75:6-7

---

Observation Questions:

In Psalm 73, what specific doubts and struggles does Asaph express about the prosperity of the wicked? How does he describe his own feelings during this time? [00:53]
According to Psalm 74, what is the significance of the absence of prophets, and how does it relate to the state of the people? [04:54]
In Psalm 75, what does the psalmist say about the source of promotion and exaltation? How does this perspective challenge common human views on success? [05:36]
How does Asaph's perspective change after entering God's presence, and what realization does he come to in Psalm 73? [02:13]

---

Interpretation Questions:

What does Asaph's journey in Psalm 73 teach about the importance of drawing near to God when faced with doubts and challenges? How might this apply to modern believers? [02:13]
How does the absence of prophetic voices in Psalm 74 serve as a warning for contemporary spiritual communities? What role do prophetic voices play in guiding believers today? [04:54]
In what ways does Psalm 75 challenge the idea of seeking human approval and recognition? How can believers apply this understanding to their personal and professional lives? [05:36]
How does the psalmist's realization in Psalm 73:25-26 about desiring God above all else reflect a deeper spiritual truth? What implications does this have for personal priorities and desires? [03:14]

---

Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt envious of others' success or prosperity. How did you handle those feelings, and what steps can you take to draw closer to God for clarity and peace in similar situations? [00:53]
Consider the role of spiritual leaders and prophetic voices in your life. How can you actively seek and cherish these influences to stay aligned with God's will? [04:54]
In what areas of your life are you seeking human approval over God's? Identify one specific area and discuss practical steps to shift your focus towards seeking God's approval. [05:36]
As you reflect on Psalm 73:25-26, what are some earthly desires or attachments that might be hindering your relationship with God? How can you begin to prioritize God above these desires? [03:14]
Think about a recent challenge or doubt you faced. How did you seek God's presence during that time, and what was the outcome? How can you make seeking God's presence a more consistent practice in your life? [02:13]
How can you create an environment in your home or community that values and listens to prophetic voices? What changes might be necessary to foster such an environment? [04:54]
Identify a situation where you are waiting for promotion or recognition. How can you trust in God's timing and sovereignty in this situation, and what actions can you take to demonstrate your faithfulness in the meantime? [05:36]

Sermon Clips

"Psalm 73 deals with this big question: why do the wicked prosper and why do the righteous people suffer? It's a question that many, many people have asked through the centuries, and Asaph, who wrote this psalm, is very honest. He says in verse 2, 'My feet almost slipped.' There's an honesty in the psalm, which is why the psalms are so good to read. People are absolutely honest there. I almost slipped. I had questions. I was jealous of the prosperity of the wicked." [00:40:25]

"He says at one time, 'I thought, what is the use of keeping my heart clean? It's a waste of time living a holy life.' But he says, 'I kept quiet about it. I kept these thoughts to myself. I didn't tell anybody. If I had told anybody, then I would have offended a lot of other younger believers.' See, a lot of people sometimes, when they have doubts, they are so foolish, they go on airing it, and afterwards, maybe five years later, they have the answer to that." [00:85:03]

"There is an answer for it. You know where the answer is? He says, 'I couldn't understand it until I went into God's presence. Then I understood.' Some of those things that cause you doubt, there is an answer to. You may not know it because you're so far away from God. The closer you come to God, the more you get an answer. There are many things in my past life I never knew what the answer was." [00:127:39]

"Psalm 74 and the psalmist is concerned about the destruction of the ruin of God's Church. 'Lord, your enemies are roaring in the midst of your church. Your enemies have got into your church. They have put up their own signs. They've defiled your holy place.' Verse 7, 'They have burnt up the synagogues.' And here is the mark. It's very important for you to notice this. The only verse in the Bible that teaches that one mark that God has forsaken a people is verse 9: 'We don't have a prophet in our midst anymore.'" [00:249:15]

"Psalm 75: Don't look for promotion from men. Verse 6: Promotion doesn't come from the east or the west. It comes from God. Verse 7: God is the one who exalts, and God is the one who puts down. Don't look for exaltation in the church to man. Don't think a man can give you a ministry. God can give you a ministry." [00:336:63]

"Psalm 77, verse 13: 'Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary.' If you want to find out God's way, get into the most holy place. You can't find it hanging around with the outer court believers. You know, there are some believers, all they know is forgiveness of sins. The rest of the time, they joke and they laugh. If you spend your time, I want to say this to you seriously, there are some believers who are just jokers all the time." [00:387:58]

"Psalm 84: The sparrow has found a house, the swallow a nest. Verse 3: Blessed are those like those birds who spend their time in your house, and those who live in the most holy place will always be praising God. Verse 6: Even when they pass through a time of weeping, the valley of Baca is the valley of weeping and sorrow. They fill it. They make it a well. They make it a spring. In the place of sorrows, they produce glory to God." [00:678:79]

"Psalm 85: Cry for revival. Verse 6: 'Will you not revive us again, O Lord? Your people are grumbling and complaining. Send us a revival of joy and praise.' Verse 8: 'I will hear what the Lord is saying. The Lord will speak peace to his people.' Verse 10: 'Mercy and truth are met together on Calvary. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other on Calvary. God's mercy and truth met together.'" [00:761:48]

"Psalm 86, verse 11: 'Teach me thy way, O Lord, and I will walk in thy truth. Unite my heart to fear your name.' Here is a prayer that my whole heart, which is going in different directions, will be united to have only one desire: to fear God." [00:805:76]

"Psalm 87 says of Zion, 'This is of the church. It will be said, this man and that man was born in her. The Lord, when he counts up the people, will say, this man was born in Zion, in the church. All my springs, verse 7, all my joy comes from the church. I valued God's people.'" [00:823:20]

"Psalm 89 is the psalm of God's tremendous faithfulness. It's talking about Jesus again. Verse 27: 'I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.' A lovely verse is verse 7: 'God must be greatly reverenced and feared in the church, and he must be had in reverence. The church must be a place where God is reverenced.'" [00:897:31]

"Psalm 91 is, of course, a wonderful psalm. I wish I could spend a whole session on it. It's dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. You know, the most wonderful thing is to dwell in the secret place of the Most High. The shadow of the Almighty means God is going in front of me, and I'm just walking in his shadow. I trust in the Lord. He will deliver me from all the snares that come in the daytime and in the nighttime." [00:1053:67]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?

Finding Clarity and Joy in God's Presence

Devotional

Day 1: Clarity in God's Presence

Day 2: Valuing Prophetic Voices

Day 3: Trusting God's Timing for Promotion

Day 4: Seeking Depth in God's Sanctuary

Day 5: Joy in God's Presence

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Finding Clarity and Joy in God's Presence

Share