PrintI like the expression, "the attitude of gratitude". It is that attitude which now begins to emerge as the truth of the destiny of the wicked begins to sink in. As Asaph reflects on his previous condition (or attitude) as outlined in vs.2,3,13,14, he obviously feels embarrassed.
"Then I realized how bitter I had become, how pained I had been by all I had seen. I was so foolish and ignorant — I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you". (73/21,22 NLT).
To the words "confusion" and "dismay" (see Study 4) we can now add "bitter", "pained", "foolish", "ignorant" and "senseless". All this because he bought the deception concerning the wicked. He was mislead by what seemed to be rather than the reality of the situation.
These words describing the inner life of Asaph (prior to his revelation in the sanctuary of God) might well fit our inner life, depending upon our answer to the question of why the wicked prosper. There are times when we have envied the prosperity of the wicked. I, for one, have no trouble at all resonating with Asaph's heart at such times.
But now we come to a very positive expression of faith. What an amazing transformation!
"Yet I still belong to you; you are holding my right hand. You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. (Ps 73:23-24 NLT)
Having considered the destiny of the wicked, Asaph now considers his own destiny - a glorious destiny. His new focus or perspective begins in "the now". He still belongs to God (now); God is holding his right hand (now); God is guiding him with His counsel (now).
But, as good as all that is, Asaph anticipates a glorious destiny - then! It is from within this revelation that he now looks at life. And it is from here that he now considers the question that started this journey of understanding - Why do the wicked prosper? In a sense, the original question remains but it no longer matters; certainly not to the same degree.
"Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. (Ps 73:25-26 NLT)
He no longer envies the wicked and he no longer covets their riches or their lifestyle. His desire now is towards God only. Even if his health fails and his spirit grows weak, God remains as the strength of his heart. Or, to simplify that down to its irreducible minimum, "God remains" when all else has gone.
