A Psalm on Perspective – Lessons from Psalm 73
A Psalm on Perspective – Lessons from Psalm 73
Introduction:
Life can feel unfair. We see the wicked prosper while the faithful struggle. This was Asaph’s dilemma in Psalm 73—a psalm that teaches us about trials, temptations, and how our perspective shapes our response to life’s challenges.
1. Trials vs. Temptations
- Trials come from God to teach us.
- Temptations come from Satan to destroy us.
- The devil strikes when we are weakest, using distractions to pull our focus away from God.
2. Asaph’s Struggle – The Danger of a Worldly Perspective
- Asaph was a believer (v1).
- Yet he struggled—not with disbelief, but with doubt (v2).
- His struggle? He saw the wicked thriving while the righteous suffered (v3).
- He envied them because:
- They prospered.
- They had no troubles or pain.
- They were corrupt yet successful.
- They were prideful, wealthy, and boastful (v4-12).
- This is a distraction from God. If we focus on the world’s definition of success, we lose sight of eternal truth.
3. The Turning Point – Resetting His Perspective
- V13-16: Asaph wrestled with his doubts.
- V17: Then he went to God—this was his RESET moment.
- Key question: Where do you go when you need help?
- Lesson: When overwhelmed by life’s unfairness, we must turn to God to change our perspective.
4. The Truth About Sin and Worldly Prosperity
- Hebrews 11:25 – Sin is fun, but only for a season.
- Proverbs 23:29-32 – Sin seems enjoyable, but in the end, it brings pain.
- Proverbs 5:3-5 – Wickedness leads to destruction.
- Proverbs 10:2 – Treasures of the wicked are meaningless.
- Matthew 6:19-20 – Earthly riches do not last.
- Matthew 7:13-14 – The wide road leads to destruction, but the narrow path leads to life.
5. Asaph’s Response – A Shift in Perspective
- V22: He acknowledges his foolishness.
- V23-28: He recommits to the Lord.
- Colossians 3:1-2: We must set our hearts on God, not the world.
- V26: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
- Final truth: He is our sanctuary (Hebrews 9:11, 9:27).
Conclusion: Perspective Changes Everything
When life seems unfair, we must remember:
- The prosperity of the wicked is temporary.
- God is our strength and our portion forever.
- We must set our hearts on Him, not the distractions of this world.
Change your perspective—see life through God’s truth, not the world’s illusion.