Psalm 73

What’s Happening?

The psalmist Asaph begins with a conviction: “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart” (Psalm 73:1). But what he sees makes him stumble. The wicked live in ease and strength. They seem to escape pain and trouble. Their pride and violence go unchecked, and they mock God as if nothing will ever happen to them (Psalm 73:3–11).

Meanwhile, Asaph suffers. Despite striving for righteousness, he feels plagued every morning (Psalm 73:13–14). It seems backward—the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer. The world looks broken, and Asaph nearly loses his faith (Psalm 73:2, 16).

But everything changes when Asaph enters the temple (Psalm 73:17). In God’s presence, he sees the truth. The wicked are not secure—they are on slippery ground and will fall by the weight of their own pride and violence (Psalm 73:18–19). Though they appear powerful, they are destined to be “swept away” like a dream that fades upon waking (Psalm 73:20).

By contrast, Asaph realizes that his suffering has not cut him off from God, but drawn him nearer. God is with him, guiding him, and will one day receive him into glory (Psalm 73:23–24). The wicked may have wealth and power, but Asaph has something they can never have—the presence and blessing of God. In repentance, he admits his bitterness and short-sightedness (Psalm 73:21–22) and concludes: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).

Where is the Gospel?

Asaph’s struggle finds its ultimate expression in Jesus. Like Asaph, Jesus saw the wicked prosper. They held the wealth, the influence, and the power. Yet he, the perfectly righteous one, suffered at their hands (Luke 23:35–36). The wicked mocked him, condemned him, and nailed him to a cross (Luke 23:33).

But unlike Asaph, Jesus’ foot never slipped (Psalm 73:2). He remained faithful even unto death. He entrusted himself to God (1 Peter 2:23) and endured the suffering inflicted by the wicked. And after his resurrection, Jesus entered the heavenly temple—not as one embittered or broken, but as the faithful Son welcomed into his Father’s presence forever (Hebrews 9:24).

This is good news for us. When we suffer for righteousness, it can feel like God is absent and the world is upside-down (1 Peter 3:14). But Jesus proves that God has not abandoned his people. Our suffering does not mean God is unjust—it means we are walking the same road as our Savior (1 Peter 4:13). And just as Jesus was vindicated and welcomed into God’s presence, so too will we be (Romans 8:17).

The wicked may seem to thrive for a season, but God will hand them over to the consequences of their choices (Romans 1:24). Meanwhile, those who belong to Jesus will share in his eternal life and joy in God’s presence (Revelation 21:3–4).

See for Yourself

I pray that the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to see the God who is your portion and strength forever. And may you see Jesus as the righteous one who endured suffering and now reigns in God’s presence—inviting you to share his eternal blessing.