Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. Psalm 73:25 

Throughout our walk with Christ, we may find ourselves in a difficult season or having trouble trusting God’s guidance. When hardships come, it’s easy to question God’s purpose. In today’s devotional we will follow the psalmist as he navigates life’s hardships and difficulties.

Even in our darkest times we must learn to find solace in the presence of God and seek sanctuary in the Savior. Even if we fall away from God and tough times come into our lives, we need to trust that God is teaching us from every one of our life’s situations. If envy begins to fill our hearts, it blinds us from focusing on trusting in God. Psalm 73 marks the beginning of the third book of Psalms. Asaph, who wrote this and eleven other psalms, was one of the chief musicians David appointed to serve in the sanctuary. A respected Levite musician and prophet, Asaph faced a crisis of faith when envy blinded him. “Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men” (Psalm 73:1-5).

When Asaph took his eyes off the immediate and focused on the Lord, he could live in hope even in a hopeless situation. Once Asaph realized the truth about the wicked and confessed his own sin, he was finally able to focus on how to live here and now with an eye on the ever after. The psalmist gained a proper perspective, understanding that the kingdom life for believers begins now but does not end at death. We have the glorious privilege of living forever in the presence of God. Note the contrast between the fate of those who “shall perish” and those who “draw near to God.” This is the heart of the psalm, contrasting the fate of the wicked with the godly’s. While some people may enjoy great wealth and fame in our world today, we know that we can’t take it with us. We can, however, go to heaven to be with God. Asaph came to understand that only those who put their hope and trust in the Lord will find eternal life.

Asaph opened Psalm 73 proclaiming God’s goodness. As he journeyed through the valley of despair, this truth brought him back to God’s sanctuary. When the circumstances of life threaten to blind your eyes, reach for Him. You’ll find He’s been there all along—continually holding on to your hand.

 We must ascribe our safety in temptation, and our victory, not to our own wisdom, but to the gracious presence of God with us, and Christ’s intercession for us. All who commit themselves to God, shall be guided with the counsel both of his word and of his Spirit, Bible Hub