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Is it wrong for Christians to have doubts? How should believers respond when doubts arise in their minds? Dr. David K. Bernard examines what the Bible says about faith, doubt, and reason, and why truth bears investigation.For more on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Anchor Points, available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.
David Yu continues our series "Summer of Psalms" by unpacking Psalm 73.
The Book of PsalmsPsalm 73Psalm 73 takes us on a journey from envy to awe, as Asaph wrestles with the prosperity of the wicked and the apparent unfairness of life, only to have his perspective transformed in the presence of God. His story powerfully illustrates the truth that envy looks outward and leaves us empty, but worship looks upward and makes us whole—reminding us that the nearness of God is our true and lasting good.Sermon Preached by Chris Gannon on August 3, 2025Foothill Church exists to glorify God by living as disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus. https://foothill.church Learn about our For the Sake of His Name 2-Year Discipleship Journey: https://foothill.church/FTSOHN
Psalm 73
Psalm 73
Featured Teacher: Daniel Christensen Even mature believers can find their faith shattered by life's apparent injustices. In Psalm 73, worship leader Asaph takes us on one of Scripture's most honest spiritual journeys—from envying the prosperity of the wicked to nearly abandoning his faith entirely. Yet through divine grace and eternal perspective gained in God's sanctuary, Asaph discovers that God Himself is the believer's greatest treasure. This powerful exposition explores how authentic faith isn't the absence of doubt, but the conquest of doubt through God's unchanging character and promises.
City of Hope Presbyterian Church Sunday Worship July 27, 2025 Sermon Series Summer in the Psalms: Psalm 73, Guest Speaker, Jon Huff Text: Psalm 73 Speaker: Jon Huff, City of Hope Presbyterian Church Ministry Intern www.cityofhopechurch.net
Asaph knows that God is good to His people, and yet the prosperity of the wicked almost leads him to stumble from the faith. Even as he recognizes the wickedness of the arrogant, he sees that their riches increase, and he wonders if faith in the LORD is worth it. He holds his tongue from leading others astray and turns instead to the LORD's saving presence in His sanctuary. There, he recalls that the wicked do not have the only thing that lasts: eternal life in Christ. Because God is the heritage that belongs to all the faithful, we can confidently confess with Asaph that the LORD Himself is our very portion forever. Rev. Tom Eckstein, pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 73. To learn more about Concordia Lutheran, visit www.concordiajt.org. Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Journey Church Sunday Worship Gathering Audio - Bozeman, Montana
Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor | July 27, 2025 Referenced Scripture: Proverbs 14:30, Psalm 73, Hebrews 4:15-16 Reflection Questions: 1) Describe a time when you were envious of a person or a group of people? What did they have that you wished you had? What things tend to stir up envy in your life? How have you seen envy diminish your life and relationships? 2) What makes envy such a dangerous sin in our relationships with people and our relationship with God? How can our envy of people lead us to anger and frustration with God himself? 3) Read Psalm 73 What do you learn from Asaph about praying your feelings of envy and jealousy? What things changed Asaph's perspective and heart? How can you do something similar with your feelings of envy? 4) How can seeing your life in the context of eternity change your perspective on your life and circumstances? 5) How can learning the discipline of celebrating the successes of others help overcome feelings of envy? Who could you celebrate publicly that you have had feelings of jealousy? What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman
Pastor David preaches out of Psalm 73, showing how Asaph wrestles with a crisis of faith when the prosperity of the wicked seems to contradict God's goodness. Through honest lament, corporate worship, and divine perspective, Asaph is reoriented to the truth that nearness to God is the believer's true refuge and reward.
Seria „Wakacje pod psalmami” to rozważania o Księdze Psalmów. To świadectwa osób, dla których konkretne psalmy stały się modlitwą, wsparciem i źródłem mądrości —przynoszącym życie i prowadzącym przez różne sezony oraz doświadczenia. Zapraszamy do wspólnej refleksji.
Psalm 73 - "Discerning the End in the Sanctuary"
In this sermon, we follow the Psalmist's own journey to resolve his spiritual doubts and questions as he navigates a world that often seems unfair and unjust.Every human being longs for the right kind of leadership and rule. When we experience good leadership, we want to follow. When we experience poor leadership, we lament and seek other guidance. Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character.
Jesse South :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, July 27, 2025 "But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold." Pastor Jesse South preaches from Psalm 73, a song written by Asaph, about his emotional journey through frustration at the prosperity of the wicked and his struggle with doubts about God's goodness. Asaph's faith deconstruction turns to reconstruction as his perspective shifts from his own to that of His just, sovereign and good God. Asaph's conclusion: "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge." Jesse's message follows several announcements. Worship music permitted under CCLI License #264436.
Have you ever questioned why God allows the wicked to prosper while you struggle to get by? If so, then Psalm 73 is for you. Join Brett as he unpacks this helpful chapter from God's Word.
Why does it feel like the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? Today on The Kirk Cameron Show, Kirk unpacks the deep struggles of Psalm 73 and reminds us that grief can either draw us closer to God—or pull us away. Plus, Kirk shares life updates from Tennessee, a visit to a historic Presbyterian church, and dives into real viewer questions about parenting, hearing God's voice, and the state of the modern church. ➡️ What kind of grief honors God? ➡️ Can kids be bold in faith without becoming arrogant? ➡️ Is the American church off track?
Preacher: Jesse BrannenTitle: PerspectiveSeries: PsalmsPassage: Psalm 73
Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.4 For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. 5 They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. 7 Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies. 8 They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression. 9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth. 10 Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them. 11 And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” 12 Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. 13 All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning. 15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed the generation of your children.16 But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, 17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.18 Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. 19 How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors! 20 Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms. 21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, 22 I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. 28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.1. Do you think of yourself as an envious person? Or are you a complainer? What does that say about your belief in God? 2. Have you ever felt like G
Message Date: July 20, 2025 ★ Support this podcast ★
Psalm 73 - Life in an Upside Down World by Redemption Church
July 20, 2025 sermon from Providence Reformed Church Las Vegas by Pastor Travis Peterson
“Perplexed Over the Prosperity of the Wicked – Part 2” - Psalm 73:18-28
How do you know that God loves you? The problem we have Envy He nearly lost his foothold The breakthrough we need A different perspective Shift your attention to God The reality we now know God is gracious God is precious God is a refuge As for me it is good to be near God
Seek Him, Remain Focused On Him And He Will Use You Even In Your Struggles Psalm 73:21-28 21When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 23Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 28But 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.
Community prayer and worship. For more resources on reading through the Bible in a year, visit my church's website at this link or text us at 888-644-4034. Feel free to join me on my other daily podcast, Your Next Step. God bless - DoyleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some of the best songs are summer songs. Here's a good one from Psalm 73! Psalm 73 gives us a picture of the Christian life, reminding us not to forget to remember the Lord!For resources and media, visit https://vintagechurchnola.com/series/songs-of-summer/#Welcome2Vintage #SongsofSummer #Psalms #Jesus #Remember
Neil Klodzen preaches through Psalm 73.
Welcome to Through the Psalms, a weekend ministry of The Truth Pulpit. Over time, we will study all 150 psalms with Pastor Don Green from Truth Community Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. We're glad you're with us. Let's open to the Psalms now as we join our teacher in The Truth Pulpit. thetruthpulpit.comClick the icon below to listen. Related PodcastsCommunion Meditation: The GospelFaith Has Consequences #2Faith Has Consequences #1
Welcome to Through the Psalms, a weekend ministry of The Truth Pulpit. Over time, we will study all 150 psalms with Pastor Don Green from Truth Community Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. We're glad you're with us. Let's open to the Psalms now as we join our teacher in The Truth Pulpit. thetruthpulpit.com
The post Psalm 73 appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Hosea 10-12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this July 7th episode, Host Hunter invites you to join with listeners from around the world as we spend time reading and reflecting on Scripture together. Today, we journey through Hosea 10–12, Psalm 73, and Hebrews 4—uncovering the consistent theme of God's steadfast love, the call to return to Him, and the promise of true rest found in Christ. Hunter encourages us to lay down our striving and receive the rest that God graciously offers, reminding us that the gospel is not about what we do, but about learning to trust and rest in Him. The episode concludes with heartfelt prayers for peace, unity, and dependence on God, followed by the Lord's Prayer and a gentle reminder that you are deeply loved. Settle in and let your heart be refreshed by the Word and the presence of God today. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Are you tired? The invitation to rest is one that echoes through the words of Hebrews today. So often, we find ourselves working, striving, caught up in the pressures of life, feeling that everything depends on us, that we have to keep things under control. But Hebrews reminds us that God's promise of entering his rest still stands. This rest—true, deep rest—is nothing less than the very heart of the gospel. The good news is not just about doing or achieving, but about receiving, about surrendering, about letting God's work and love be enough. The writer warns us—not just those who don't believe, but us, followers of Jesus—not to miss out on this rest. It's still possible to slip into old patterns: powering up and forcing our agenda, or turtling up and running from our circumstances. But Christ, our great high priest, was tested in every way. He knows what it's like to stand right where you are, to feel what you feel—yet he didn't sin or strive like we so often do. He invites us, instead, to bring our weariness and thirst directly to him. The gospel means rest. Not inaction, not apathy, but a soul-deep resting in the finished work of Jesus. If we fail to rest, we miss the wonder and power of the gospel working in our lives. We're invited to come boldly to the throne of grace—not timidly, not reluctantly, but boldly—trusting that here, in God's presence, we will find mercy and grace exactly when we need it most. So today, don't harden your heart. Don't believe that your struggles are so unique, or your burdens so heavy, that rest is not for you. Instead, hear his voice. Open your hands, and allow yourself to rest in him. The rest he gives truly revives the weary soul. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord of heaven and earth, you have awakened us in your mercy once more. Still our anxious minds, quiet our striving hearts, and help us to rest in the knowledge that we are held by you. May we walk in step with your spirit today— not ahead, not behind, but beside you in trust and love, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. O God of all peoples, you formed every soul in your image and breathed life into every heart. Open the eyes of the nations, soften hearts grown cold, and teach us to live as neighbors and friends. Let your spirit move in power, renew the face of the earth, and usher in your reign of peace. Amen. And now, Lord, let me be a bearer of your peace. Where voices divide, let me speak grace. Where fear takes root, let me plant trust. Where the world rushes on, let me walk with you. May I seek not to climb but to kneel, not to win but to love, not to grasp but to give. For it is in emptying that we are filled, in surrender that we are strengthened, and in union with you that we find our truest joy. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
Series: PsalmsService: Sun PMType: SermonSpeaker: Ryan BoyerMy favorite thing about Psalm 73 is how honest it is. It is a description of the author’s own doubts and temptations.Verses 1-2 are the difference between faith and reality. Verse 1 is what God’s people are “supposed” to believe and say. It is basically the content of Ps. 1. Verse 2, however, is the author’s reality. I’m torn on how to interpret v. 2. My first option is how I have always understood it - God is good to his people, but my life is hard and I don’t see it right now. A second option is that the…
Moved by His grace & stirred by His Spirit, we as the church are empowered to eagerly do the giving & serving work of the gospel to the glory of God.---We desire to see the Gospel saturate a people, awakening them by the glory of God to treasure Jesus as better.For more Gospel-centered teaching and resources, including audio and video downloads of our sermons, please visit our website: http://www.thewellchurchok.com/resourcesInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/thewellchurchokFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/thewellchurchok
The Psalms are a collection of songs that speak life to our souls! They speak to the human experiences of love, joy, pain, trust, hope, and peace! Over the summer, we will explore the lyrics of some of our favorite Psalms, and how they impact our lives today. This week, we explore Psalm 73 written by King David. • Westbridge Church is people helping people FIND and FOLLOW JESUS! We believe that no matter where you are in your faith, there's always a next step you can take to grow in your relationship with God. As a church, we are committed to continually growing and encouraging others to grow in their faith, connect in community, share God's grace, serve others, and live generously. Connect with us! https://westbridgechurch.com/ YouTube: https://http://www.youtube.com/channel/ucws0ededcmut6_czbepavxw Facebook: https://http://www.facebook.com/westbridgechurch Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/westbridgechurchmn Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mywestbridge
A message by Luc LeFort on 6/29/2025Psalm 73:1-28Compass Bible Church Treasure Valley is located in Meridian, Idaho.For more information about Compass Bible Church go to https://www.compassbible.tv/To follow our daily Bible reading plan and podcast go to https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/
Welcome to Day 2665 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2665 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 73:21-28 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2665 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2665 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: From Bitterness to Brilliant Clarity - Concluding Our Trek Through Psalm 73:21-28 Today, we reach the powerful and transformative conclusion of our trek through Psalm 73 in the New Living Translation, encompassing verses 21 through 28. We've journeyed alongside Asaph, the psalmist, through his profound spiritual crisis. We heard his agonizing confession of almost stumbling, his feet nearly slipping, because he envied the apparent prosperity and carefree lives of the wicked. We saw his perplexity over his own suffering despite his efforts to live purely, and the immense burden this intellectual and spiritual dilemma placed upon him. Then, in our last trek, we witnessed the pivotal turning point: Asaph's revelation in the sanctuary of God, where he gained divine insight into the wicked's true, terrifying, and sudden end. Their prosperity was but a fleeting dream, a fantasy soon to vanish. Now, as we delve into these final verses, we witness the glorious resolution of Asaph's crisis. He moves from deep-seated bitterness and self-reproach for his foolishness to a profound affirmation of God's constant presence, His guiding hand, and His ultimate value as his true strength and eternal portion. This is the heart of what it means to truly resolve doubt and re-center our lives on God's unchanging truth. So, let's step into this moment of profound humility and renewed devotion, allowing Asaph's journey to illuminate our own. (Reads Psalm 73:21-22 NLT) Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist begins this section with a stark and humbling confession, a moment of profound self-awareness that comes after his revelation in the sanctuary: "Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside." The truth he had gained about the wicked's fleeting destiny didn't just resolve his intellectual confusion; it exposed the spiritual state of his own heart. "Bitter" (chametz) implies sourness, resentment, even fermented anger. His envy and questioning of God's justice had poisoned his inner being, leaving him "all torn up inside" (literally, "pricked in my kidneys/inward parts," the seat of emotions and conscience in ancient thought). This signifies deep emotional pain and guilt over his misplaced focus. This realization leads to a confession of profound foolishness: "I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you." This is a powerful and humbling admission. "Foolish" (ba'ar) in biblical wisdom literature often refers to someone lacking moral discernment, acting without true understanding. "Ignorant" speaks to his inability to grasp God's ways from a human perspective. The simile "like a senseless animal"...
Welcome to Day 2663 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2663 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 73:13-20 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2663 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2663 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled The Sanctuary's Clarity – From Perplexity to Profound Peace - A Trek Through Psalm 73:13-20 Today, we continue our deeply honest and transformative trek through Psalm 73 in the New Living Translation, covering verses 13 through 20. In our last conversation, we opened Psalm 73, penned by Asaph, and stepped into his profound spiritual crisis. We heard his agonizing confession: his feet almost slipped, he nearly stumbled from faith, because he envied the wicked. He vividly described their seemingly carefree lives – healthy, plump, free from the troubles of ordinary people, proudly draped in arrogance and violence, their greed knowing no bounds, openly scoffing at God himself. He saw how even others, disheartened, began to "drink in their words," questioning if God even knew what was happening. It was a raw, unfiltered expression of one of life's most perplexing mysteries: why do the ungodly prosper while the righteous suffer? Now, as we delve into this next section, we witness the turning point in Asaph's agonizing struggle. He recounts his despair over his own efforts to live righteously, but then, in a moment of divine clarity within God's sanctuary, his entire perspective shifts. He finally understands the true, terrifying end of the wicked, and his crisis of faith begins to resolve. Let's immerse ourselves in this powerful transition from deep perplexity to profound revelation. (Reads Psalm 73:13-16 NLT) Was it for nothing that I kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence? All I got was trouble all day long; every morning I was punished. If I had said, “I will talk like that,” I would have betrayed your people. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it was! Guthrie Chamberlain: Asaph opens this section by articulating the painful conclusion he had drawn in his moments of doubt: "Was it for nothing that I kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence?" This is the agonizing cry of someone who has genuinely striven for righteousness, who has sought to live a life pleasing to God. "Kept my heart pure" refers to internal integrity, sincere devotion, and freedom from malicious intent. To "wash my hands in innocence" was an ancient gesture signifying freedom from guilt or responsibility for wrongdoing (Psalm 26:6). He felt that his efforts were in vain, that his integrity was unrewarded. This is a common human experience when faced with apparent injustice – "What's the point of doing good if evil goes unpunished and even thrives?" This question strikes at the very heart of divine justice and the value of righteousness. His personal suffering...
Psalm 73 Rev. Sonny Walker
Welcome to Day 2662 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2662 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 73:1-12 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2662 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2662 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Stumbling Block of Prosperity - A Trek Through Psalm 73:1-12 Guthrie Chamberlain: Welcome to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I'm your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and Today, we begin a deeply honest and challenging trek through Psalm 73 in the New Living Translation, starting with its opening verses, 1 through 12. Psalm 73 is penned by Asaph, one of the chief musicians and seers appointed by King David. Unlike many psalms that begin with an immediate cry for help or a declaration of praise, Psalm 73 opens with a profound struggle, a crisis of faith that many of us can intimately relate to. Asaph grapples with one of life's most perplexing mysteries: why do the wicked often prosper, seemingly enjoying an easy life, while the righteous suffer? This question has troubled believers in every generation. In the ancient Israelite worldview, there was a strong emphasis on divine justice being dispensed in this life. Obedience to God was expected to bring blessing and prosperity, while wickedness would lead to suffering and misfortune. So, when a faithful servant like Asaph observed the opposite – the ungodly thriving without apparent consequence – it created a serious spiritual dilemma, shaking the very foundations of his faith. Let's immerse ourselves in Asaph's raw honesty as he confronts this agonizing truth and nearly loses his footing on the path of faith. (Reads Psalm 73:1-3 NLT) Truly God is good to Israel— to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost slipped; my feet were nearly gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. Guthrie Chamberlain: Asaph begins with a declaration that is simultaneously an affirmation and a struggle: “Truly God is good to Israel—to those whose hearts are pure.” On the surface, this sounds like a statement of unwavering faith. It's a theological truth, a bedrock conviction for an Israelite. God is inherently good, and His goodness is particularly directed towards His covenant people, especially those whose hearts are “pure” or upright. This purity isn't sinless perfection, but sincere devotion and integrity of intention towards God. However, the “But as for me” immediately introduces a stark contrast, revealing Asaph's personal crisis: “But as for me, I almost slipped; my feet were nearly gone.” This is powerful imagery. Imagine walking on a treacherous path, perhaps a slippery incline or a narrow ledge. One false step, one moment of distraction, and you could fall completely, losing all your progress, perhaps even your life. Asaph's faith was...