Assurance in God’s Presence
“Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence” (Psalm 73:13, NKJV).
Asaph, the writer of this psalm, was so confused by his sufferings compared to the easy life of the wicked that he nearly slipped into a pit of absolute unbelief. He was ready to accuse God of abandoning him, of not being concerned. For a moment, he was ready to quit the battle and give up completely.
This godly man must have thought, “I’ve been doing right and enduring hardships all this time, but it was for nothing. All my diligence, my praise and worship, and my study of God’s Word have been useless and in vain. I have done only right, yet I continue to suffer, and it makes no sense. What’s the use of going on?”
Beloved, you must be careful. When calamity falls, when a trial comes upon you, when you are grieving, you need to guard your heart against slipping.
You may not be in Asaph’s condition, suffering and being tested, but you may know someone who is going through something similar. Sudden calamity may have come upon a godly relative, friend or church member, someone you know who is doing right, and you have asked, “Why, God? How could you allow this? That person is so righteous.”
Asaph went to the temple and prayed. That is when the Holy Spirit spoke to Asaph: “Surely you set them in slippery places; you cast them down to destruction” (Psalm 73:18).
Asaph realized, “I’m not the one slipping. The wicked are slipping, and they are going straight into destruction.” Asaph began to see the whole picture, and he rejoiced. “My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26). He could say, “Yes, my strength is failing. I am enduring a great battle, but I am not alone in my struggles. I have a loving Father in heaven and he watches over me!”
When your time of grief or suffering comes, go to the secret closet. Get alone with God, and cry out to him. If you find time alone with the Father in prayer, he will strengthen you and give you understanding.
