"The Search for Certainty"	August 27th, 2006

Psalm 73

1. A psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.
3. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.
5. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.

12. This is what the wicked are like— always carefree, they increase in wealth.
13. Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.
14. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.
15. If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children.
16. When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me
17. till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
18. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
19. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!

21. When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
22. I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
23. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
24. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
25. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

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