​God Promises He is Your Most Precious Possession

Psalm 73:22-25 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
 
ASAPH wrote this psalm. David appointed him to lead worship. This began a family legacy. We’ll read other psalm by Asaph’s descendants written at various times in Israel’s history. We make this point to help us understand God sometimes gives to families a specific purpose for their generations. Psalms 50 and 73-83 bear Asaph’s name, and they are from different men of that family. Psalm 73 is a worship song, celebrating God’s goodness to so richly be all we need.  
   In summary the psalmist first wonders why bad people have success. He believes v 1 surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But his faith in God’s rule over Israel faltered when he v 3 envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
   He couldn’t match the ease of life the rich and powerful had attained as they disobeyed God’s laws. They seemed to be free of common problems and illnesses. They were prideful, violent people. V 7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.
   The harshest condemnation speaks to their arrogance against God. They acted as if they ruled heaven and earth as their own. v 9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. And they arrogantly believe God has no knowledge of their evil intents. V 11 They say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”  
   The psalm wonders if being faithful is worthwhile. V 13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.
   But then he understands the ultimate fate of those who appear successful. V 18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. 19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
   He comes to understand he is the richest of all. V 23 I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
   It’s easy to want what everyone else wants. It’s easy to feel that those who have much possess all the power. For a time many do. But if they have not Christ, for eternity they have only dark emptiness of pain and suffering.
   All we desire on earth must begin with desiring God. V 28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
   Pursue God. Live for God. Exalt his name. Enrich your life. Enrich the world with his love.