We are to live the Christian life in the most radical of forms
We can see it in negative terms – examples
Others thought like this – example of the Disciples
Even Jesus prayed for the pain of the cross to be taken away
It causes Asaph such a struggle
It seems as if his Christian life is on the brink of collapse
Here is an insight into how many Christians can think
A life of sacrifice
This can make us jealous of those who do not follow God
Asaph is a Godly man – he writes 12 psalms
These give insights into his life, including his honesty
He writes how the difficult the life lived for God can be
He struggles with the Christian life
He is an example of true, honest spirituality
Sometimes it is a battle
Sometimes we seem to lose more than we gain
Sometimes it seems the pain of the battle is too much to bear
We can get to a point in our Christian life where the step to give up all things – can seem a step too far
We take our eyes off Jesus
We look at the pleasures of the world
We should not cover this up
Asaph does not cover up his feelings – he is profoundly honest
He writes a psalm to be placed/preserved in Holy Scripture
God acknowledges that the Christian call can be difficult
Quote
Reading v2-5, v12-15
We can feel like this
We have a radical call to follow God
We are to bring our feelings to God
We are to be honest before God
How often do we come to Church and yet have such feelings?
How often do we think we must struggle on our own?
The disciples often struggled
We are not alone
At times we will all feel like this
What do we do at such times?
Psalm 73 calls us to more rational and long-term thinking
Asaph speaks of the future joy
The turn around – v17a
The sanctuary of God – meeting with the people of God, reading the Scriptures, singing in song
He understands their end – v17b-19
He understands his end – v24
A cross now leads to a crown, a death to self leads to eternal life
Matt 16:25
Luke 18:29-30
We are called to think big picture and long-term
We are to think like Christ:
Heb 12:2 – "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross"
Isa 53:11 – "He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities"
2 Cor 4:17-18 – "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Asaph speaks of the present joy (v25-26)
Even when God feels distant, He is right there beside us
Example of young child
God the Father was always close to God the Son
God is always close to us
We take hold of this reality
We can know Him as a great strength and a very present help in times of trouble
Our goal should be to have more communion with God
Even when things around are crumbling
This sweet communion is a foretaste of our eternal joy
We can know that God is with us, for us, delights in us and loves us
He is present with us in the battle
Be reminded of Asaph’s conclusions – that transforms grief into peace, joy and contentment
Quote from Thomas Rutherford
It is communion with God in the struggles that give meaning to them
v28 – "It is good for us to draw near to God"
He rested in the goodness of God
Closing Remarks
Remember your end in glory
Remember to fellowship with the Lord
Enjoy God now and forever in the midst of your lives