Today’s Scripture: Psalm 73:17, NKJV- “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.
We are told in Psalm 73 that this is a psalm of Asaph. Gotquestions.org states that “Asaph was a gifted individual. He understood where the gift came from, and he used his music to praise the Lord and communicate His Word to a needy world.”
As I read Psalm 73:1 where we are told that “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.” (NIV) My first thought, personally, was that I am not pure in heart. As I continued reading, I realized Asaph was feeling the same way in Psalm 73:2 as he wrote, “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.” (NKJV)
Like Asaph in Psalms 73:3-12, we can find ourselves wondering why the wicked continue to prosper. However, Asaph shares with us in Psalm 73:14, that we only cause ourselves troubles by trying to understand why the wicked seem to prosper.
This Psalm by Asaph instructs us to turn away from the attention we give to humans and turn to God. The beauty that I have found in beginning my day on my knees and then getting up immediately and going to the Word of God is how I find the understanding of God. This is how I have found my sanctuary with God. I do share this with others that are needing to be closer to God.
However, I also know that my way does not have to be anyone else’s way. I want to encourage everyone to find their own sanctuary with God. I did another Google search to explore what Asaph meant by entering the sanctuary of God.
I found an article on Trochia.org that provided a good definition of Sanctuary. “Today, many think of a “sanctuary” as a church building where worship services are held. The ancient Israelites, however, understood sanctuary to mean one thing: the presence of God.”
I know when I am in the presence of God and when I am not. I am not endorsing this website as this is the first time I have visited it but in Chris Greer’s study of Psalm 73, he stated something of which I have longed to express. I know my process of entering God’s sanctuary is the way that works for me. However, I want to encourage others to find their way.
In this article Chris shared a story, “A few years ago, I was leading a college retreat and asked a small group of guys about the last time they experienced God. There was a painfully long silence. Finally, Austin, the drummer in our college-age worship band, broke the silence.
“I don’t really get the whole ‘quiet time’ thing,” he confessed. “It’s hard for me to feel God when I read the Bible alone or pray by my bedside, or whatever.” He paused then nervously added, “But the last time I felt God’s presence, was when I was playing the drums.”
I responded, “Then you know what I think you should do, Austin?”
As they all sat quietly anticipating my correction of his bad theology and telling them how to really experience God at church or in prayer, I looked at him and said, “You should play the drums a lot more.”
All their faces lit up, and one by one they recounted times they felt the tangible presence of Jesus. Long drives. Surfing. Reading or watching a movie with a powerful story of redemption.”
However we draw near to God, He draws near to us and guides us to His desires. As Asaph stated in Psalm 73:28, “But 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.” How do you draw near to God and declare His works?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for welcoming us into Your sanctuary. In Your presence LORD I trust Your Spirit to grant me Your understanding. Please grant me the purity of heart and mind to act and rest in You. Please draw our hearts and minds to you when we come close to slipping into the temptations of the wicked. Thank You for always being with us, being the strength of our hearts, and for holding our hands wherever we are. Please help us LORD to declare Your works. Please make Your desires our desires as we draw near. Amen.
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