ALMOST GONE…..UNTIL

Psa 73:1-28

We have in this chapter a man by the name of Asaph writing this psalm. The Bible gives us a little information concerning this man in 1Ch 15:16-19 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy. 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah; 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters. 15:19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;
So we understand a little about the person who penned this psalm. Asaph was someone who was more than likely very acquainted with things in and out of the house of God, however sometimes in spite of his being in church and seeing the Lord’s hand on a daily basis he got to a point just where he said “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.” And so like Asaph we can get to a point if we are not careful where we as well are almost gone. I believe Asaph got in the condition and state of mind he was in the same way we get in that condition and state of mind and that is by dwelling upon the same things that Asaph dwelt on in this Psalm of his. He dwelt on…….
1. Their Prosperity vs3, 12
73:3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
73:12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
2. Their Pride 73:6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
3. Their Possessions 73:7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 4. Their Philosophy vs8-9, 11
73:8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
73:11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

Asaph spent way to much time thinking about all the bad and not enough of the good. And it got him to where he was almost gone……UNTIL verse 17

I. HE ENTERED HIMSELF IN THE SANCTUARY

He went to the House of God….many times when church folk have problems they lay out of Church. And you will never get strength to overcome the personal struggles and thoughts that attack you by staying out of Church. I HONESTLY DON’T KNOW HOW SOME FOLKS MAKE IT WITH THE DIET OF CHURCH THEY HAVE. But Asaph sucked it up and knew he could find help at the House of God!

II. HE EDUCATED HIMSELF IN THE SPIRIT

When Asaph went into the House of God he heard the Word of God and realized “how should a young man cleanse his way, but by taking heed thereto according to thy word”
Psa 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

III. HE ENJOYED HIMSELF IN THE SAFETY

A. OF GOD’S PRESENCE VS23
B. OF GOD’S PROTECTION VS24
C. OF GOD’S PERSON VS25
D. OF GOD’S PROVISION VS26
E. OF GOD’S PUNISHMENT VS27
F. OF GOD’S PROMISES VS28