Daily Encouragement Day 149 – Psalm 73

Psalm 73 is the record of Asaph’s struggle with the issue of why good things happen to bad people and why bad things happen to good people.  Asaph begins his meditation with an affirmation of the goodness of God, but honestly admits that he went through a crisis of faith in which he questioned the truth of this affirmation.  Contrary to the prosperity gospel, there is no assurance that obedience to God will lead to material or physical well-being.  When Asaph went to the temple to bring his affliction before the Lord, his perspective was radically changed.  The turning point in the psalm is reached when the author takes his eyes away from the foolish pride of people and turns them to the glory and counsel of God.

READING of PSALM 73

Prayer:

Lord, may I repent of the bitterness of heart that comes from putting my hope in anything other than Your goodness and promises.  May I long for the things you declare to be important and live in the goodness of drawing near to You.

Meditation passage for today: verses 23-28