Entering the Sanctuary of God

Last Night, I continued preaching the Revival Services for Unity Baptist Church. My sermon was based on Psalm 73, which has been my favorite Psalm for years.

The psalm was written by Asaph, a musician. He was uncomfortably transparent in this psalm as he gave deep insight into a struggle he had accepting the prosperity of people who were not faithful to God. Follow his turmoil as he stated his conclusion and, then, chronicled how he struggled to come to that confidence.

Conclusion

1 Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.

Conflict

2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. 3For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Contradiction: The Prosperity of the Wicked Troubled Him.

4For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. 5They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. 6Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. 7Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. 8They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily. 9They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth.

Celebrities: He Resented the Popularity of Evil Doers

10Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them. 11And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" 12Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches.

Comparison: He Began to Regret His Faithfulness to God

13Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. 14For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning.

Caution: He Realized How Damaging His Speech Could Be

15If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.

Clarification: He Realized God Had the Answer to His Turmoil

16When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me-- 17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.

***NOTE: When he took time to get alone with God and seek answers for his questions, he was comforted.

Comprehension: Worship Changed His Perspective

18Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. 19Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. 20As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.


Conviction: He Was Convicted of His Sin

21Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. 22I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.

Confidence: He recognized the Divine Guidance of God

23Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. 24You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. 25Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. 26My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Concern: He Had Compassion for Those He Had Envied

27For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.

Commitment

28But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works.

Whenever life does not make sense, enter the sanctuary of God. I am not talking about just going to a church building. Get alone with God. He will meet you there. Read the scriptures and He will help you put things into perspective.

Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.