Finding Faith Amid Doubt: Asaph's Journey
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of "Why Me, Lord?"—a question that resonates deeply with many of us. We began by acknowledging the personal and communal struggles we face, from humorous mishaps to profound life challenges. The story of Asaph in Psalm 73 served as our primary text, illustrating the journey from doubt and despair to renewed faith and understanding. Asaph, a worship leader in the temple, struggled with seeing the prosperity of the wicked while he himself faced hardships. This led him to question God's justice and goodness.
We also looked at other biblical figures like Job, Elijah, and Jonah, who similarly questioned their circumstances and even wished for death. These stories remind us that even the most faithful can experience deep despair and doubt. However, the turning point for Asaph came when he entered the sanctuary of God. It was there that he gained a divine perspective, realizing that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and that true riches are found in a relationship with God.
We concluded by emphasizing the importance of looking to God for answers, even when life seems unfair. Asaph's story teaches us to keep our eyes on God, who holds our right hand and guides us with His counsel. In moments of doubt, we should remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, which offers us eternal hope and salvation. Our task is to go home and share the great things God has done for us, spreading His love and hope to those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Struggle of Faith and Doubt: Asaph's journey in Psalm 73 shows that even devout believers can struggle with doubt and despair. He questioned God's justice when he saw the wicked prospering while he suffered. This teaches us that it's okay to bring our doubts to God, as He understands our struggles and can provide clarity and peace. [09:00]
2. Biblical Examples of Despair: Figures like Job, Elijah, and Jonah experienced profound despair and questioned their existence. Job wished he had never been born, Elijah asked God to take his life, and Jonah was angry even after leading Nineveh to repentance. These stories remind us that feeling overwhelmed is a part of the human experience, even for the faithful. [13:12]
3. The Turning Point in God's Presence: Asaph's perspective changed when he entered the sanctuary of God. It was there that he understood the fleeting nature of the wicked's prosperity and the eternal security of those who trust in God. This highlights the importance of seeking God's presence to gain a true understanding of our circumstances. [30:21]
4. True Prosperity: True prosperity is not measured by material wealth but by our relationship with God. Asaph realized that those who serve God are the truly prosperous ones. This challenges us to evaluate where our treasures lie and to invest in heavenly things rather than earthly possessions. [23:58]
5. Sharing God's Goodness: The story of the Gadarene demoniac in Mark 5 teaches us the importance of sharing what God has done in our lives. After being healed, the man wanted to stay with Jesus, but Jesus sent him home to tell others about his transformation. We are called to do the same—go home and share the great things God has done for us. [19:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:44] - Personal Updates and Prayer Requests
[02:15] - Introduction: Why Me, Lord?
[04:08] - Paddleboard Mishap: A Humorous Anecdote
[06:28] - Serious Life Challenges
[07:14] - Asaph's Struggle in Psalm 73
[09:00] - A Believer with Doubt
[10:30] - Biblical Examples of Despair
[13:12] - Job, Elijah, and Jonah
[16:09] - The Gadarene Demoniac
[19:03] - Sharing God's Goodness
[20:37] - The World with Clout
[23:02] - True Prosperity
[26:56] - Losing Joy
[30:21] - The Turning Point in God's Presence
[32:03] - Keep on Keeping On
[33:58] - Go Home and Tell
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 73:1-3: "Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."
2. 1 Kings 19:3-4: "Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'"
3. Mark 5:18-19: "As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, 'Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What was Asaph's initial reaction to seeing the prosperity of the wicked in Psalm 73? ([09:00])
2. How did Elijah respond after receiving a threat from Jezebel, according to 1 Kings 19:3-4? ([12:28])
3. What did Jesus instruct the man who had been demon-possessed to do in Mark 5:18-19? ([19:03])
4. What realization did Asaph come to when he entered the sanctuary of God? ([30:21])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Asaph's journey from doubt to understanding in Psalm 73 reflect common struggles in the life of a believer? ([09:00])
2. What can we learn from Elijah's despair and his plea to God in 1 Kings 19:3-4 about handling overwhelming situations? ([12:28])
3. Why do you think Jesus told the healed man to go home and share his story rather than allowing him to stay with Him? ([19:03])
4. How does the concept of true prosperity, as discussed in the sermon, challenge our modern understanding of success and wealth? ([23:58])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like Asaph, questioning God's justice and goodness. How did you find resolution or are you still seeking it? ([09:00])
2. Elijah felt overwhelmed and wished for death. Have you ever felt similarly overwhelmed? How did you cope, and what role did your faith play in that situation? ([12:28])
3. Jesus instructed the healed man to share his story with others. Is there a personal testimony of God's work in your life that you haven't shared yet? How can you share it this week? ([19:03])
4. Asaph's perspective changed when he entered the sanctuary of God. How can you make seeking God's presence a more regular part of your life, especially during times of doubt? ([30:21])
5. The sermon emphasized the fleeting nature of the wicked's prosperity. How can you shift your focus from material wealth to spiritual richness in your daily life? ([23:58])
6. The story of the Gadarene demoniac highlights the importance of sharing God's goodness. Who in your life needs to hear about the great things God has done for you, and how will you approach them? ([19:03])
7. When you face moments of doubt or despair, what practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's faithfulness and the hope found in Jesus' sacrifice? ([32:03])
Devotional
Day 1: The Struggle of Faith and Doubt
Even devout believers can struggle with doubt and despair. Asaph, a worship leader in the temple, questioned God's justice when he saw the wicked prospering while he suffered. This teaches us that it's okay to bring our doubts to God, as He understands our struggles and can provide clarity and peace. Asaph's journey in Psalm 73 shows that even the most faithful can experience deep despair and doubt. However, the turning point for Asaph came when he entered the sanctuary of God. It was there that he gained a divine perspective, realizing that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and that true riches are found in a relationship with God. [09:00]
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: Think of a time when you doubted God's justice or goodness. How did you seek clarity and peace during that period? Can you bring your current doubts to God in prayer today?
Day 2: Biblical Examples of Despair
Figures like Job, Elijah, and Jonah experienced profound despair and questioned their existence. Job wished he had never been born, Elijah asked God to take his life, and Jonah was angry even after leading Nineveh to repentance. These stories remind us that feeling overwhelmed is a part of the human experience, even for the faithful. They show us that it's normal to feel despair and that God is patient with us in our struggles. By looking at these examples, we can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our feelings and that God is always there to listen and guide us through our darkest moments. [13:12]
1 Kings 19:4 (ESV): "But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, 'It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you felt overwhelmed and questioned your purpose. How did you see God's presence in that situation? Can you find a way to seek His guidance in your current struggles?
Day 3: The Turning Point in God's Presence
Asaph's perspective changed when he entered the sanctuary of God. It was there that he understood the fleeting nature of the wicked's prosperity and the eternal security of those who trust in God. This highlights the importance of seeking God's presence to gain a true understanding of our circumstances. When we are in God's presence, we can see beyond our immediate struggles and gain a broader perspective on life. This turning point is crucial for renewing our faith and finding peace amidst chaos. [30:21]
Psalm 73:23-24 (ESV): "Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory."
Reflection: When was the last time you intentionally sought God's presence in a challenging situation? How did it change your perspective? Can you set aside time today to enter God's sanctuary and seek His guidance?
Day 4: True Prosperity
True prosperity is not measured by material wealth but by our relationship with God. Asaph realized that those who serve God are the truly prosperous ones. This challenges us to evaluate where our treasures lie and to invest in heavenly things rather than earthly possessions. In a world that often equates success with wealth and status, it's essential to remember that our true riches are found in our relationship with God. This understanding can help us prioritize our spiritual growth and focus on what truly matters. [23:58]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: Take a moment to evaluate where your treasures lie. Are you investing more in earthly possessions or in your relationship with God? What steps can you take today to focus more on heavenly things?
Day 5: Sharing God's Goodness
The story of the Gadarene demoniac in Mark 5 teaches us the importance of sharing what God has done in our lives. After being healed, the man wanted to stay with Jesus, but Jesus sent him home to tell others about his transformation. We are called to do the same—go home and share the great things God has done for us. By sharing our testimonies, we can spread God's love and hope to those around us, encouraging others to seek Him and experience His transformative power. [19:03]
Mark 5:19 (ESV): "And he did not permit him but said to him, 'Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.'"
Reflection: Think of a recent experience where you saw God's hand at work in your life. How can you share this testimony with someone today to encourage them in their faith journey?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When you start thinking that, and that even in Christianity, it's hard. It's hard living your life in these days. The title of the message is, Why Me, Lord? Why me? Have you ever felt that way? Why me, Lord? You know, I've had people say to me, Pastor Lou, you just have bad luck. You just have bad luck. And I say to them, I don't believe in bad luck. And they say, maybe you should start believing in bad luck." [02:15] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We talk about praying for nation. We talk about praying for the world. And what we're really saying is pray for individuals. Because our nation is made up of individuals. Our world is made up of individuals. And we need to be praying for people, regardless of who they are, where they live. We need to be praying for them." [01:29] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The prosperous are those who are serving God every day. The prosperous are those who are right now up in these rooms being terrorized by little children so that you can sit here and hear this sermon. Many of them seek counseling. Not my little child. Yes, yours. Yeah, I find them many times after the service on Sunday, babbling and walking around the halls and we have to lead them out." [23:58] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Keep on keeping on. Keep on praying. But I don't feel like keep on praying. Keep on getting in his word. Keep on crying out to him. Because he is God. And the next time you think, why me? Think about what Jesus did on the cross. He shed his very blood for the forgiveness of your and my sin. He gave his life and died and conquered the grave so that we could live forever if we would trust him." [32:03] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Go home and tell them the great things that I have done for you. And this is what I'm telling you this morning. Go home. Go home. Get up and go home. And tell the people in your life the great things that God has done for you. And the forgiveness that he will bring if they will simply cry out to him. Trust in his shed blood that he gave at Calvary. And invite him into their life. Go home and tell them." [33:58] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Asaph hung on. He did something right here. He looked around at the world. He looked around at himself. He had so many questions. He was confused. He didn't know what to do. He looked and he had so many questions. But you know where he looked for his answers? He looked to God for his answer. And what God did was he said, Asaph, I'm going to peel back the veil a little bit here. I'm going to show you a little glimpse from heaven." [30:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A veil of doubt. Excuse our view of God. We begin to see of him, see him, think of him. In a different way than it is the truth of the Bible. Years ago, my first message I ever preached was nightmare on pig street. First message ever. And it's kind of neat because my daughter just had the baby and Terry was in the hospital with Nicole to have her. The day I was supposed to preach. So I was up all night in the hospital. Those contractions are. I'm telling you, they were rough getting through them." [15:28] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It's easy when we get in this state. And I'm talking about believers. It's easy when we get in this state. It's easy to get down. It's easy to get anxiety. It's easy to get into severe depression. Now, sometimes, anxiety and depression, it's something that's neurological. And we've got to get some medication and stuff to work with. I understand that, and we should. But, listen, a lot of times, it's just because we look around. We look what's going on in our life, in our family, in our country. And it's like, no, no. And you just begin to deal with heavy anxiety and depression." [09:47] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I can't handle this. I don't understand God. I've trusted you. I've given my life for you. I've sacrificed and I don't get it. It's in vain. It's for nothing. Why is my health failing? Why is my marriage in trouble? Why am I having such a tough time with my kids? Why is my job so uncertain? Why, why, why, Lord? And I just keep living for you. But look, I've done this in vain." [27:31] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The next time you think, why me? Think about what Jesus did on the cross. He shed his very blood for the forgiveness of your and my sin. He gave his life and died and conquered the grave so that we could live forever if we would trust him. And whenever you start thinking about all that Jesus did for a sinner, for a sinner like me, then I think, why me? Why me? Why I don't deserve this kind of love from a holy God." [32:57] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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