The man who wrote Psalm 73 was a servant in the temple whose job was to lead people in the worship of God. But privately, Asaph often wondered whether it was all worth it. He confessed that he envied the arrogant for their prosperity, and was disturbed by their happy lives. “They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong,” he observed. “They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills” (Psalm 73:4–5).
It seemed as if the wicked and unrighteous people who had ignored God were getting away with their arrogance, while the righteous were suffering. Didn’t God care? Was it really worthwhile to remain faithful to Him? Asaph complained: “Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments” (73:13–14).
Nursing his doubts and frustration, the worship leader tried to bear the troubles he was facing bravely, but could not help feeling grieved and embittered (73:21).
All these feelings were resolved when Asaph entered into the presence of the living God: “When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their [the wicked people’s] final destiny” (73:16–17).
It was only when he learnt to live in the peace-filled presence of God, that the worship leader discovered how to live amid the pain, troubles, and injustice of the world. He concluded, “It is good to be near God” (73:28).
Jesus invites us to share Asaph’s discovery. We may have grown weary of all the troubles we face in our lives. But Jesus understands and calls us to come close to Him. When we do so, we will face our challenges with Him, and His presence will bring sweet relief, even in the midst of the fiercest battle. Then we can say, as Asaph did, “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (73:26).
Walking with Christ does not promise a carefree life, nor a life of comfort filled with worldly success and acclaim. As I write this, I read about the death of Robertson McQuilkin, a former missionary and president of Columbia Bible College (now Columbia International University) in South Carolina, where I once taught a summer course.
Under Robertson’s leadership, the college’s enrolment doubled and it grew in other areas as well. But tragedy struck when his wife Muriel developed Alzheimer’s disease at a relatively young age. She not only needed constant care, but was terrified of being alone.
It was then that Robertson decided to resign, even though he had eight more years before retirement. Instead of putting his wife in an institution, which many people had suggested, Robertson decided to care for her at home. He said, “This was no grim duty to which I stoically resigned, however. It was only fair. She had, after all, cared for me for almost four decades with marvellous devotion; now it was my turn. And such a partner she was! If I took care of her for 40 years, I would never be out of her debt.”
Just as Robertson was struggling to care for his wife, he was struck another blow: his eldest son Robert died in a diving accident. He spoke of the painful wounds he received in life as he faithfully served the Lord—“my dearest slipping from me, my eldest son snatched away in a tragic accident, my life’s work abandoned at its peak”.
Yet, amid all this pain, Robertson found abiding joy in his life. His secret was that he lived close to Jesus: every blow he received in life was shared with his Lord (Philippians 3:10), from whom he received profound comfort and strength.
We too can experience this comfort and strength when we respond to Jesus’ call.
Consider this:
Are you struggling with any disappointments and setbacks you face in your ministry? What makes you weary and burdened? What can you learn and receive from Jesus? Take some time today to listen to Him and to respond to His call.
Excerpted and adapted from Finding Rest for the Soul by Robert Solomon. © 2016 by Robert Solomon. Used by permission of Discovery House. All rights reserved.
Related Resources:
Joseph: Overcoming Life’s Challenges. We can be slow to learn that what causes the most pain is not the initial loss or hardship but the failure to learn anything in the process. If we really believe that God is working in all things for our good, then one of the great challenges is to allow hard, painful, and tear-filled experiences to be our teacher in the classroom of life. Find out more here.
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