Psalm 73 — When Life Doesn’t Seem Fair.

Text: Psalm 73

There are times in life when we look around and wonder if serving God is really worth it. We see people who have no interest in God, yet they seem to prosper. Their businesses grow, their houses get bigger, and their lives appear easier. Meanwhile, many of God’s people face trials, sickness, disappointments, and burdens.

That is exactly where Asaph found himself in Psalm 73.

He begins by declaring, “Truly God is good to Israel.” He knew the truth in his head, but his heart was struggling with what his eyes were seeing. The wicked seemed to flourish while the righteous suffered. He became envious. He looked at their prosperity instead of God’s promises.

How often we do the same. We compare our lives with others and wonder why our path seems harder. We look at what others have rather than what God has already given us. Comparison is a thief of joy and a destroyer of peace.

Asaph confessed that his feet had almost slipped. He was standing on dangerous ground. Doubt had begun to cloud his vision. Yet God was not angry with him for bringing his questions. The Lord already knew what was in his heart.

The turning point came when Asaph entered the sanctuary of God.

Nothing had changed outside. The wicked were still prosperous. His circumstances were still the same. But something changed inside him. In God’s presence he gained God’s perspective.

He saw that earthly success is temporary. Wealth can vanish. Fame can disappear. Health can fail. Positions of power can be lost overnight. The things people build without God cannot last forever.

Asaph realized he had been looking only at the present moment, while God sees eternity.

Then he looked honestly at himself and admitted that envy had made him bitter. Bitterness always clouds our judgment. It causes us to focus on what we do not have instead of thanking God for what we do have.

Yet even after his doubts and struggles, God never let him go.

What a wonderful truth! The Lord did not abandon Asaph when he was confused. God held him by the hand. The psalmist could say:

“Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.”

There may be someone reading this who feels discouraged today. You may not understand what God is doing. You may wonder why others seem to have it easier. Remember this: God’s greatest gift is not prosperity—it is His presence.

Asaph reaches the summit of the psalm when he declares:

“Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.”

That is the language of a heart that has rediscovered its treasure. He learned that God Himself is the reward. More precious than wealth is God’s presence. More valuable than success is God’s fellowship. More important than earthly gain is knowing the Lord.

Then comes one of the most comforting verses in all Scripture:

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”

Bodies grow weak. Circumstances change. Friends may disappoint us. Earthly possessions will one day pass away. But God remains. He is the strength of our hearts and our eternal portion.

The psalm closes with a simple but powerful conclusion:

“But it is good for me to draw near to God.”

Not merely to know about God.
Not merely to attend church.
Not merely to read about Him.

But to draw near to Him.

When life seems unfair, draw near to God.
When doubts arise, draw near to God.
When others prosper and you struggle, draw near to God.
When your heart is weary, draw near to God.

For in His presence there is wisdom, peace, strength, and hope.

Psalm 73 teaches us that while the world may chase riches, power, and success, the child of God possesses something infinitely greater—the Lord Himself.

And when we have Him, we have enough.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Amen.

GOD IS A GOOD GOD

GOD KNOWS, GOD LOVES, GOD CARES

Written for georgeswebministries.com

17th June 2026