| It was not always easy for the Psalmist to believe
this statement. Asaph's attention was distracted by something very upsetting. It seemed
that the ungodly were succeeding - and getting away with it. This
Psalm is a testimony of a man who almost slipped. Wicked men appeared to be prosperous,
trouble free and relaxed in death. Though these people wore pride and self-confidence
"like a necklace around their neck" (vs 6) they seemed happy and strong.
Asaph focused on this to such an extent that he lost sight of the
real picture, in the sight of God Almighty. Only when Asaph entered the santuary (vs 17
on) and saw things in God's light, did he begin to see things in perspective. Then it was
that he realized how the wicked were in a "slippery place" and headed for
destruction. "Then I understood", was Asaph's testimony.
Until we see things from God's perspective, where He dwells, in
the santuary, we will only see appearances. And those appearances can seem so right. King
Nebuchadnezzar was convinced that eating grass was the right thing to do. That was until
he lifted up his eyes to heaven and "understood".
How often don't we feel certain of things because our own logic
convinces us? No wonder that eating grass can seem normal! We need to be in a right
relationship to God. Christ must be at the centre of our lives. Then, we will see things
according to God's perspective and we will have the testimony of Asaph - "then
understood I".
He ends the Psalm with a note of victory - the viewpoint of a man
who "understands". His summary of it all is: "but it is good for me to draw
near to God. I have put my trust in the Lord that I may declare your works." If you
do not draw near to God yourself, everything will be in the wrong perspective. You will
not understand and you will slip. Draw near to Him and understand.
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