Sometimes the quiet of the morning and the strangeness of the surroundings make for a good opportunity to hear Scripture anew.  That happened to me this morning. I was reading Psalm 73 (struggling not to read it as an example for class) when it struck me how “me” that was.

The Psalmist is baring his soul about his struggle (v1-3) with those who don’t know or love God and yet are highly successful (4-12). He contrasts that with his own sense of disappointment when his life doesn’t have that kind of fullness (v13-17). It’s an honest struggle within one who tries their best to do what God wants and then finds that they are getting nowhere.

The turn comes at the end of the personal pity party. He says, “…it was oppressive to me ‘till I entered the sanctuary of God” (v16-17). There’s just something about coming into the presence of God that changes everything. I don’t know if Asaph had gone to worship or if he started to pray or what. But, somehow, he found himself in God’s presence and it all made sense.

The wicked may well prosper in this life, but that’s where it ends. The author uses great images: “slippery ground,” “swept away,” “as a dream,” and “fantasies.” They may have it all in this life, but it’s all illusory and temporary (v18-20).

 The comes the “me” part—even more than anywhere else in the Psalm.  I realize I was on my pity-pot. I realize I was being selfish and self-absorbed. I recognize that I was being ugly in the presence of God (v21-22).  The final verses (v23-28) mark the resolve.  I acknowledge God’s presence, His never-failing faithfulness. And, I commit myself to be faithful—even if my flesh fails me again in the future—I will be faithful.  I will be honest with God (v28) and stop complaining.

 I want to say, “Blessed be God forever” for being patient with me and revealing a word to me when I need it.