It can be easy at times to lose perspective. To lose sight of what is true.
Three times, Asaph uses the word “indeed.”
Twice, Asaph uses it with correct perspective.
God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart. (Psalm 73:1)
And,
Indeed, you put [the wicked] in slippery places; you make them fall into ruin. (18)
But in between is another “indeed” that is hidden in the English translation.
Asaph says, “Indeed I purified my heart and washed my hands in innocence for nothing.” (13)
That is especially striking when you look at verse 1 where he said God is good to the pure in heart.
But in seeing the prosperity of the wicked, he lost perspective. And in the process, he became bitter and foolish. (21-22)
How often does the same happen to us? Truth gets twisted because of what we see around us. Whether it’s the evil on society, or the troubles we have in our own lives.
The result?
We become bitter. We entertain foolish thoughts.
How do we regain perspective? We find the answer in verse 17.
Reenter God’s sanctuary. Come into God’s presence and gaze upon him. Listen to him. Worship him.
Only then, will you start to see things rightly again.
You don’t need to go to church to do this. You are his sanctuary. He dwells in you.
So wherever you are, quiet your heart before him and enter his presence. Put aside your smartphone. Turn off the internet and your TV. And come before him with an open Bible and an open heart.
As a start, try meditating on the final verses of this psalm from verses 21-28.
Think on them. Pray them. And let God correct your perspective.
God is indeed good…
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 