Honest with God: Psalm 73 “Processing the Problem”

Review > We looked last week at the introduction to Book III in the Psalms. The Psalms of Exile, the people can’t worship in the temple or gather with God’s people. The Psalms teach us that it’s okay to not be okay it’s just not okay to stay that way.

INTRO> This week I wan to start by asking this question, “Do you have a problem?” The Oxford English Dictionary defines problem as, problem- a thing that is difficult to deal with or to understand. I think the whole world is dealing with a problem.

CONTEXT> We see is Psalm 73 that Asaph, the author has a problem. We don’t just see the problem in these 28 verses, we see him processing the problem. Charles Spurgeon called this Psalm “a soul battle” Which leads me to our Big Idea:

Big Idea > You have to process your problem or your problem will process you.

APP> I want to walk through six principles to help you process your problem.

1. Be Honest.v1-2

“Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.” Psalm 73:1-2

• • • He is quoting what he has been taught “God is good”
    • He is very honest and says but I don’t feel like that right now.

APP> Are you being honest about your problem? Can you even admit it’s a problem. God only meets us in reality. Honesty is how we live in reality.

2) Get specific. v3-9

“For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. 5 They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. 7 Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies. 8 They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression. 9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.” Psalm 73:3-9

• • • Asaph names it. ENVY
    • What are bad things happening to God’s people and good things happening to bad people? Huge question.

APP> What’s your specific problem? When we name it, we frame it.

3) Self-exam. v10-15

“10 Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them.11 And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” 12 Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. 13 All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning. 15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed the generation of your children.” – Psalm 73:10-15

• • • Asaph expresses that it felt worthless to be a follower of God.
    • He says that if he would have spoken he would have undermined others faith.

APP> It’s not just your problem, your problem affects others.

*ILL> Check engine light on my car, Auto-Zone hook it up to a machine. Our emotions.

APP> If you don’t self-exam you will self-destruct. (What’s coming out was in)

4) Adjust your perspective. v16-20

“But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, 17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. 18 Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. 19 How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors! 20 Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.” Psalm 73:16-20

• • • This is where the entire text changes! “BUT!”

APP> Everything get’s put into perspective in the presence of God. (if this season has taught us anything, it has taught us that the gathering is crucial!)

APP> Wisdom comes from God’s word! (Where do you run to first? Why?)

5) Confess your faults. v21-22

“21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, 22 I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.” Psalm 73:21-22

• • • Asaph confesses his attitude and actions toward God.

APP> Before we sin against others, we always sin against God first. Vertical then Horizontal.

6) Reaffirm what you know to be true. v23-28

“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. 28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:23-28

1. 1. 1. God is good. v28 (Look at the cross!)
      2. God is present and active in our lives. v23-25 (amidst the problem!)
      3. Nothing can take these truths away, even death. v26 (but God!)

Big Idea > You have to process your problem or your problem will process you.

Close> Problems aren’t obstacles, they are opportunity’s for the kingdom of God to break through in our lives.

• • • “That I may tell of your works” his works through and in our problems.
    • This isn’t a season to hide how we are doing, this is a season to process what God is doing.