SWHW Bible Reading Plan: September 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Liz Patton:

Psalm 73 begins with Asaph being envious and complaining about the wicked and ungodly men around him who, despite their sinfulness, had strong and healthy bodies and who were also experiencing wealth, prosperity, and no worries.  

Meanwhile, Asaph was like, “Hey God, what about me?” when he said in verse 13:

“Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure

    and have washed my hands in innocence.”

And we might not like to admit it, but if we’re really honest, I think we’ve all done this a time or two ourselves. We see unbelievers around us succeeding, prospering, and seemingly with no care in the world, and we wonder--what’s up with that, God?  Don’t you see me over here trying to do the right thing, the godly thing, the counter-cultural thing?

So what do we do about those feelings?  We do what Asaph did in verses 16-17:

“When I tried to understand all this,

    it troubled me deeply

till I entered the sanctuary of God;

    then I understood their final destiny.”

We need to get away with God, confess our sins, and ask Him for wisdom and understanding.  After being in God’s presence, just as quickly as Asaph was describing the wicked, he began to acknowledge the benefits that come from walking with the Lord:

“Yet I am always with you;

    you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

    and afterward you will take me into glory.” Psalm 73:23-24

There is obviously nothing wrong with wealth or success, but when we, like Asaph, begin to place our trust in those worldly things more than in Christ, we will become covetous and unsatisfied.

Once in God’s presence, Asaph began to declare God’s precious promises--He will never leave us or forsake us, He holds our hand in His, He guides us here on earth, and will ultimately take us into heaven to spend eternity with Him.

“Whom have I in heaven but you?

    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart

    and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26

Dear God, You are indeed the strength of our hearts and our portion forever.  Please forgive us when we take our eyes off You and we begin to look at those around us instead.  Lovingly draw us back to You, take our hand in Yours, and remind us of our lives that we get to spend with You in glory forever and ever.  Amen.