When the darkness overwhelms

Every generation has said that this time, right now, is the very worst. We look around, marveling at the circumstances, high prices, political upheaval and even in our own lives, or in the lives of those we love. It can all be very overwhelming. Do you have a relative or friend who is ill? Or are you? The darkness can creep over us.

Asaph gave an example of how our hearts can be trained to peace, to a vision of God’s order and his control over it all. Over these things I listed, but also so much more that we do not understand. Tell me if this does not speak to your heart as well.

Psalm 73

“Truly God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, My steps had almost slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Asaph begins with counsel for his heart. Truly God is good to Israel. He reminds his own heart to walk in purity and truth. Oooo, but when he took his eyes off the God of the universe and allowed his to compare his circumstances to the people who were evil. His foot had almost slipped as jealousy and anger crept in, maybe even a bit of horror at their prosperity.

You see, the darkness will have its time. It may look like evil is triumphing. It may seem as though there is no hope. Verses 3-12 tells us of the evil, the extravagance, the voices that denounce God. Or even worse say the name of God with derision.

Asaph’s circumstances weighed his heart down, he can’t understand how he is suffering and the evil are triumphing. His eyes were on the trial, easy to do, and not on the one who holds all things together. But then….

“Surely then in vain I have cleansed my heart And washed my hands in innocence. [Mal 3:14] For all the day long have I been stricken, And punished every morning. ¶If I had said, “I will say this,” [and expressed my feelings], I would have betrayed the generation of Your children. When I considered how to understand this, It was too great an effort for me and too painful Until I came into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood [for I considered] their end.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭13‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP

Nothing makes sense. All around Asaph and honestly, all around us, is sinking sands. You know what changes everything? Reminding ourselves of the presence of God. Walking outside, taking a deep breath, worship music, prayer, shutting off social media, putting our phones and TVs away., time with people who share our love of the Lord. Walking into the house of the Lord, All these things can have vital impact of our souls. Rather than the senselessness of anger and hostility, taking action to quiet our souls and remember how holds our hands.

“Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to honor and glory. ¶Whom have I in heaven [but You]? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭23‬-‭25‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Asaph reminds me, God is the one who guides. Who do we really have besides the Lord? Many, many years ago, I was worshipping at a conference and all of a sudden I saw my life. From the beginning to the present, the only constant in every stage of my life was/is the Lord. He was with me in my mother’s womb. He’ll be the one who carries me home.

Makes me think of the moment when the brothers fall on their faces before Joseph in Egypt. Those dreams so many years ago must have flashed through his mind. His life up until this moment flew before him. And he wept, no, he sobbed. Through it all, God was with him. Don’t you think that is a glimpse of heaven? We look over our entire lives with Jesus by our side, VISIBLE, we realize HE was there the whole time.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the rock and strength of my heart and my portion forever. For behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful and have abandoned You. But as for me, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have made the Lord God my refuge and placed my trust in Him, That I may tell of all Your works.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭26‬-‭28‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Lastly, let us draw near to our God. Make HIM your refuge and place your trust solely in HIM. And then tell others. Tell how HE changed your life. Tell of HIS presence.

Your answer. Your portion.