Psalm 73 brings us face to face with the tension between what we know to be true about God’s goodness and what we often see in the world around us. The psalmist begins by affirming the goodness of God to those who are pure in heart, but quickly confesses his own struggle: he nearly stumbled because he was envious of the prosperity of the wicked. The world, both in ancient Israel and today, often seems to reward those who have no fear of God, while those who seek to live righteously face hardship and suffering. This apparent injustice can lead to deep disillusionment, bitterness, and even a crisis of faith.
The psalmist describes how the testimony of the wicked—by their lives and their words—can be compelling. Their ease, wealth, and pride seem to mock God’s promises, and even God’s people can be tempted to “drink” from the same cup, longing for the life that appears so good on the surface. The struggle is not just external; it becomes internalized as the psalmist’s own heart begins to question the value of faithfulness. He confesses the pain of waking each morning to the reality of his suffering, feeling as though his efforts to keep his heart clean have been in vain.
Yet, the turning point comes when the psalmist enters the sanctuary of God. There, his perspective is transformed. God “zooms out” his vision, allowing him to see beyond the immediate circumstances to the ultimate end of the wicked and the enduring goodness of God. What seemed like solid ground for the wicked is revealed to be a slippery slope leading to ruin. The fleeting pleasures of this life are exposed as a dream that vanishes at dawn, while the nearness of God is shown to be the only true and lasting good.
The psalmist confesses his own embittered heart, recognizing how jealousy and other sins can cloud our vision and make us “like a beast” before God. But in God’s mercy, he is restored to clarity and worship. He realizes that God has been holding him all along, guiding him with counsel, and will ultimately receive him into glory. The psalm ends with a renewed testimony: “It is good to be near God.” In the face of a world that often seems upside down, the cross of Christ stands as the ultimate answer, showing that God’s goodness and justice are never defeated, even when evil appears to triumph.
Psalm 73 (ESV) — Read the whole psalm together as a group. If time is short, focus on verses 1-3, 12-28.
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