| Sermon Summary by Titus Azariah |
Introduction
Psalm 73, written by Asaph, is a wisdom psalm that provides practical insights for godly living. Asaph, a Levite and temple musician, shares his personal journey from envy and doubt to a renewed faith in the presence of God. Through this psalm, we learn that true treasure is not found in wealth or success but in nearness to God.
The Greatest Treasure
The world often defines success by wealth, power, and recognition, but Asaph discovered that these things do not bring lasting fulfillment. He concludes with a profound truth:
"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds." (Psalm 73:28)
Jesus affirms this in Matthew 6:21: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." If our hearts are set on earthly things, we will always be dissatisfied. But when we treasure God above all, we experience true contentment.
Asaph’s Struggle: A Crisis of Faith
Asaph begins by affirming, "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart” (v.1). But soon, he admits:
"My feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold." (v.2)
His struggle began when he became attracted to and envious of the prosperity of the wicked. They seemed to live without trouble, enjoying wealth and success while he suffered. Asaph questioned:
"Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?" (v.13)
Like Asaph, we too can become discouraged when we compare our lives with others. We may wonder why those who ignore God seem to thrive while we face hardships. But this perspective is short-sighted—it focuses only on temporary success, not eternal realities.
The Turning Point: A New Perspective
Asaph’s breakthrough came when he entered the sanctuary of God (v.17). In God’s presence, he saw the true fate of the wicked—their prosperity was temporary, and their end was destruction. This realization changed everything.
God did not answer Asaph with explanations but by drawing him closer. Nearness to God healed Asaph’s envy and realigned his heart to eternal truth.
God’s Nearness in My Life
Like Asaph, I once walked away from God, chasing the world’s pleasures. At first, life seemed fulfilling, but soon, darkness overtook me. At night, I felt like I was drowning in a deep pit, tormented by regret and failure. In desperation, I cried out:
"Hold my hand, Lord!"
To my surprise, God was already near. He lifted me up, restored me, and reminded me that only in His presence does my heart find true peace.
God Is Our Portion
Asaph declares:
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (v.26)
When God becomes our portion, He satisfies every longing of our soul. Instead of chasing after temporary things, we must fix our hearts on Him.
Conclusion: Drawing Near to God
What are you still chasing? Is anything keeping you from treasuring God above all?
Asaph’s journey reminds us that worldly prosperity is fleeting, but God’s presence is eternal. Let us make Him our refuge, draw near to Him, and find our ultimate fulfillment in His nearness.
"But as for me, it is good to be near God." (Psalm 73:28)