Draw Close to Him

Text: Psalm 73

The Psalmist in Psalm 73, reflects a struggle many of us have experienced—when we see the wicked prospering while the faithful seem to suffer. It’s a paradox that shakes our faith, leaving us discouraged. We wonder why God allows this to happen. But Psalm 73 offers a simple yet difficult solution to this dilemma: the answer is not in questioning God’s justice but in drawing close to Him. It is in God's presence that we gain clarity, peace, and renewed strength.

The psalmist, Asaph, opens by confessing his frustration: he envied the arrogant because the wicked seem to thrive without consequence. Their wealth increases, their lives appear to be free from struggles, while the righteous face hardships (Psalm 73:3-5). This reality is not unique to Asaph; it’s a truth we see today and throughout Scripture.

Consider Job, a righteous man who lost everything—his wealth, health, and family—while wicked men around him seemed to flourish. Even the prophet Jeremiah, in Jeremiah 12:1, asked God, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?”

The reality is, life often seems unfair. This paradox can shake our faith, making us feel like our efforts to live righteously are in vain. As Asaph laments, “Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence” (Psalm 73:13). When faced with such thoughts, we must recognize that this feeling of injustice can lead us away from God if left unchecked.

What is the remedy for this struggle? Asaph finds his answer in verse 17: “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.” The turning point comes when he enters God’s presence. Only there does he understand the bigger picture—that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary (Romans 2:4 and other Scriptures make it clear that God is patient with the wicked because He wants them to repent of their ways) and that true security and peace are found in God alone.

For us, this means we must actively and consciously seek to be closer to God. This is not a passive act but one that requires effort through spiritual disciplines:

1. Fellowship with the saints (Hebrews 10:25): Gathering with other believers strengthens our faith and provides encouragement.

   
   

2. Personal time with God through fasting and prayer (Matthew 6:6, 17-18): These practices allow us to focus solely on God, seeking His guidance and strength.

   
   

3. Bible study (Psalm 119:105): The Word of God is our source of truth and wisdom. As we study it, we gain a deeper understanding of who God is and who we are as His creation.

   
   

These spiritual exercises help us develop a deeper understanding of God, which in turn strengthens our faith. The more we know Him, the more we trust Him, even when life seems unfair. We begin to see beyond the present circumstances to the eternal reality. This closeness to God builds resilience, allowing us to remain steadfast and hopeful in the unseen promises of God (Hebrews 11:1).

In conclusion, Psalm 73 reminds us that life may seem unfair at times. The wicked may prosper while the righteous suffer, and this can shake our faith if we focus on the wrong things. However, the solution lies in drawing close to God. Spiritual disciplines like fellowship, prayer, fasting, and Bible study are effective ways to drawing nearer to God. When we do this, our perspective changes—we gain clarity, a deeper understanding of God's plan, and an unwavering faith. Asaph’s final realization should become our declaration: "But as for me, it is good to be near God" (Psalm 73:28).

Let us strive to draw near to God, for in His presence, we find true peace, strength, and hope. Amen.