When What I See Doesn’t Match What I Believe - Psalm 73 by Pastor Paul Jacks

Devotional

Day 1: When What You See Doesn’t Match What You Believe

Life often feels unfair when those who do wrong seem to prosper while those who strive to live righteously face hardship and disappointment. It is easy to become discouraged, to question God’s goodness, and to wonder why your experiences don’t align with your faith. Yet, you are not alone in these feelings—Asaph, the writer of Psalm 73, wrestled with the same questions, expressing his frustration and confusion as he saw the wicked thrive. In these moments, God invites you to bring your doubts and struggles to Him, trusting that He sees, He knows, and He cares for you even when circumstances seem unjust. [07:40]

Psalm 73:1-3 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: When have you felt discouraged because life seemed unfair? How can you bring your honest doubts and frustrations to God in prayer today?

Day 2: Gaining Clarity in God’s Presence

When confusion and bitterness cloud your heart, entering into God’s presence—whether through worship, prayer, or gathering with other believers—can bring clarity and peace. Asaph’s perspective changed when he entered the sanctuary; he realized that the apparent success of the wicked is fleeting, and that God’s justice and truth endure. In God’s presence, you are reminded of what truly matters and are given strength to endure, even when the world around you seems upside down. [16:21]

Psalm 73:16-20 (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. Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors! Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms."

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally seek God’s presence this week when you feel overwhelmed or confused?

Day 3: God Holds You and Guides You Through

Even when you are bitter, discouraged, or doubting, God does not let go of you. Like a loving parent guiding a child through a crowd, God holds you by your right hand, leading you safely through life’s challenges and uncertainties. Your relationship with Him is your greatest treasure, and He promises to guide you with His counsel and ultimately bring you into His glory. No matter how slippery the path feels, God’s grip on you is secure and steadfast. [20:50]

Psalm 73:23-26 (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. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God’s guidance today, believing that He is holding your hand even if you feel weak or uncertain?

Day 4: God’s Strength Is Made Perfect in Our Weakness

Society often teaches that strength means self-reliance, especially for men, but God’s Word reveals that true strength is found in depending on Him. When you feel weak, overwhelmed, or unable to carry your burdens, God invites you to lean on His strength, which is made perfect in your weakness. You do not have to suffer in silence or carry your struggles alone—God is your refuge, your portion, and your ever-present help. [23:55]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: What burden or struggle have you been trying to handle on your own? How can you surrender it to God and rely on His strength today?

Day 5: Sharing Your Testimony Encourages Others

Your story of God’s faithfulness—how He has guided, protected, and provided for you—can be a powerful encouragement to others who are struggling or doubting. Sharing your testimony is not about having all the answers, but about honestly declaring what God has done in your life. As you tell of His deeds, you become a living witness to His goodness, helping others see that God is still faithful, even in the midst of hardship. [28:59]

Psalm 73:28 (ESV)
"But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works."

Reflection: Who is one person you can encourage this week by sharing a specific way God has been faithful to you?

Sermon Summary

Today, we faced some hard truths about the struggles men—especially black men—are facing in our community. The statistics are staggering: men make up 79% of suicides in the US, and young black men are experiencing a 60% increase in suicide rates over the last 20 years. Depression in men often goes unrecognized, showing up as anger, withdrawal, or risky behavior, and our culture too often tells men to “suck it up” instead of seeking help. This silence is deadly, and as a church, we are called to break it. We must check in on our brothers, ask how they’re really doing, and create a community where burdens are shared and not carried alone.

Turning to Psalm 73, we see Asaph wrestling with the same questions many of us have: Why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? He’s honest about his envy and discouragement, feeling like his efforts to live rightly are in vain when he sees others getting ahead through dishonesty and selfishness. Asaph’s struggle is real—he almost loses his footing, his faith shaken by the unfairness he sees around him.

But the turning point comes when Asaph enters the sanctuary—when he comes into God’s presence and gains a new perspective. He realizes that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting, built on slippery ground. Their apparent success is a mirage, and their end is destruction. Meanwhile, God is always with those who trust Him, holding us by the hand, guiding us through the chaos and pain of life. Even when we doubt, even when our hearts are bitter or weak, God’s grip on us never loosens.

The psalm reminds us that our true portion, our real treasure, is not in what we have or what we lack, but in our relationship with God. He is our refuge, our strength, and our protection. Nothing—not even our own doubts—can separate us from His love. We are called to draw near to Him, to trust Him with our struggles, and to share with others the good He has done for us. Our testimony is simply telling the truth about God’s faithfulness in our lives, even when life doesn’t make sense.

Key Takeaways

1. Suffering in silence is deadly for men Men, especially in the black community, are often taught to hide their pain and avoid seeking help. This silence leads to devastating consequences, including high rates of depression and suicide. We must break this cycle by reaching out, listening, and creating safe spaces for honest conversation and support. [01:57]
2. God’s presence brings clarity amid confusion When life feels unfair and the wicked seem to prosper, it’s easy to become bitter or lose faith. But entering God’s presence—through worship, prayer, and community—shifts our perspective. We see that worldly success is temporary, but God’s faithfulness endures, and He guides us through every trial. [16:21]
3. God holds us even when we doubt Our relationship with God is not dependent on our strength or unwavering faith. Even when we are bitter, weak, or doubting, God holds us by the hand and leads us forward. His grip is stronger than our ability to hold on, and nothing can separate us from His love. [20:50]
4. Our testimony is a powerful witness Sharing what God has done in our lives—especially in times of struggle—encourages others and points them to His faithfulness. We don’t need to have all the answers or a perfect story; simply telling the truth about God’s goodness in our journey is enough to inspire hope and faith in others. [28:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - The Hidden Crisis Among Men
[01:11] - Alarming Statistics in the Black Community
[01:57] - Breaking the Silence: The Church’s Role
[03:18] - Prayer for Wisdom and Healing
[05:10] - Introduction to Psalm 73
[06:29] - When Life Feels Unfair
[09:08] - Asaph’s Honest Struggle
[11:09] - The Prosperity of the Wicked
[13:07] - Wrestling with Doubt and Comparison
[15:43] - The Turning Point: Entering God’s Presence
[16:59] - Gaining God’s Perspective
[18:18] - God’s Steadfast Presence
[20:50] - God Holds Us Through It All
[22:38] - Our Portion Is in God
[25:08] - The End of the Wicked vs. The Refuge of God
[28:59] - The Power of Testimony
[32:52] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 73 (ESV) — (You may want to read the entire psalm together, but especially focus on verses 1-3, 12-28.)

Observation Questions

In Psalm 73, what specific things does Asaph notice about the lives of the wicked that trouble him? (see verses 3-12)
According to the sermon, what are some ways depression and struggle can show up in men, especially in the black community? [00:33]
What is the turning point for Asaph in this psalm, and what changes for him after that moment? (see verses 16-17)
How does Asaph describe his relationship with God after he gains a new perspective? (see verses 23-26)

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Asaph was so deeply troubled by the prosperity of the wicked, and how does this relate to feelings of discouragement or bitterness in our own lives? [09:49]
The sermon talks about suffering in silence, especially among men. Why might our culture encourage silence instead of seeking help, and what are the dangers of this? [01:57]
When Asaph enters the sanctuary and comes into God’s presence, his perspective shifts. What does this suggest about the importance of worship, prayer, and community in dealing with confusion or pain? [16:21]
The pastor says, “God’s grip is stronger than our ability to hold on.” What does this mean for someone who is struggling with doubt or weakness? [20:50]

Application Questions

The sermon shared alarming statistics about depression and suicide among men, especially young black men. Do you know someone who might be suffering in silence? What is one practical way you can check in on them or create a safe space for honest conversation this week? [02:38]
Asaph was honest about his doubts and struggles before God. Is there an area in your life where you feel like what you see doesn’t match what you believe? How can you bring that honestly to God or to your community? [07:11]
The turning point for Asaph came when he entered God’s presence. What are some specific ways you can make space for God’s presence in your life when you feel overwhelmed or discouraged? (For example: worship, prayer, talking with a trusted friend, etc.) [16:21]
The psalm says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” When you feel weak or like you’re losing your grip, what would it look like to let God hold you and guide you? [23:55]
The pastor said, “Our testimony is simply telling the truth about God’s faithfulness in our lives, even when life doesn’t make sense.” What is one thing God has done for you recently that you could share with someone else to encourage them? [28:59]
The sermon challenged us to break the cycle of silence and isolation, especially among men. What are some barriers that keep you (or people you know) from opening up about struggles? How can our group help each other carry burdens instead of carrying them alone? [01:57]
Asaph realized that his true treasure was his relationship with God, not what he had or didn’t have. Is there something you’ve been chasing or comparing yourself to that you need to let go of? How can you refocus on God as your portion and refuge this week? [22:38]

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