Abiding in the PsalmsSample

Doubts are normal

In this psalm, Asaph admits that, despite knowing God is good, he is having doubts. He looks at the people who don't follow God and thinks that their lives look great, so he wonders what is even the point of following God.

Asaph could have started this psalm with admitting these doubts. But he starts with a reminder that God is good. The headline of this psalm is not about Asaph’s doubt, it’s about God’s goodness to us, because He is good even when we don’t feel it.

Asaph is really concerned thinking about all this, until “he entered the sanctuary of God” -then he understands. It is with God that Asaph realises that it’s the people who don’t know God who are in the slippery place. Even though their lives look good now, he changes perspectives and realises that they don’t have God. He previously wished he could switch places, but after drawing close to God, he realises he is in the best place he can be and wouldn’t trade it for anything. Even though he might want worldly success, he says that’s “like a dream” - that’s how empty their lives are compared to the reality of eternity with God.

When he realises this, Asaph says “God, you are the only one who is in heaven waiting for me, and you’re the only thing that I want on this earth. Let the others have all the short-term wins on this earth because you are all that I want”.

Asaph acknowledges that he’s weak; just look at the doubts that he’s had. But he doesn’t beat himself up over having these doubts. He thanks God that it’s His strength that he will rely on.

It’s okay to have doubts. You might wonder if being a Christian is even worth it if things are hard for you but easy for people who aren’t Christians. But if you bring those doubts to God, He will remind you that being with Him is the best place to be, because He will guide you; He will give you strength. 

Pray

Lord, I’m having doubts about …………… Give me your perspective and remind me that being with you is the best place for me. Remind me that it’s your strength I rely on, so even though ………………… is really hard, I don’t have to carry that on my own because you are powerful over that.