IN HIS PRESENCE

Psalm 73

Sunday, 24 January 2021

“…till I entered the sanctuary of God.” -Psalm 73:17

Psalm73 is one of the psalms written by Asaph a worship leader in the tabernacle choir (1Chron. 6:39). Though he was serving God in the temple, he was not free from doubts that plagued his mind. He too had questions just like you and I: “Why do bad people get away with evil behavior while good people have to suffer?” How often we have had to wrestle with such thoughts!

When he allowed these thoughts to dominate him, the more distraught he became.

• Vs. 2- he missed seeing God’s goodness.

• Vs.3-5- began to envy the arrogant, for they seem to face no suffering

• Vs.13- began to regret that he lived by the law of the Lord

• Vs.16- the more he tried to figure things out, the more he lost his peace over it.

But, did he allow these vexing thoughts dictate his life? He did not voice his doubts fearing that he would be a bad influence on others (V.5). What did Asaph do then? With all these thoughts troubling him, there was no escape from the call over his life— the call to lead others into the presence of the Living GOD. As he entered into the Omniscient presence of God, he experienced a transformation in his perception and insight. He understood things as God would want him to and not as his finite mind imposed.

Then and only then did he capture the entire picture:

• Vs 17-20 – that life does not end with death, but begins after death. That the wicked are to give an account of their lives to a Righteous God. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”(2Corinthians 5:10)

• Vs 23- that though he may face various trials in this fallen world, he is always held in the hands of a loving God. “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

• Vs 24- that God’s counsel and guidance was with him all through this earthy life and right into His glorious eternal presence. “for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Rev.7:17)

• Vs 26- that God would strengthen his heart even when his skin sags and his bones get brittle, God will remain rock firm and faithful. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (1Corinthians 12:9)

Asaph had a new perspective to life. He found his answers in God’s presence. What about you and I? Have we taken that bold step as Asaph did? If not, today is the time to enter into His Presence, turn our eyes away from everything that darkens our minds and “FIX OUR EYES ON JESUS.” Then like the Psalmist we will declare: “It is good for me to draw near to God.” (V. 28)

Quote of the day: “In the presence of God we are continually renewed, rejuvenated and refreshed.” ~Anonymous

Listen: ‘In Your presence’