Psalm 73: Praying Our Doubt
DOUBT IS NOT a sin. It is an essential element in belief. Doubt is honesty. We see contradictions between what we believe and what we experience. What is going on here? Did God give us a bum steer? Why aren't things turning out the way we were taught to expect? No mature faith avoids or denies doubt. Doubt forces faith to bedrock.
Warming Up to God
What doubts have you had or do you have about the Christian life? Express them to God without fear.
Read Psalm 73. »
Discovering the Word
- How would you paraphrase the doubt expressed in verses 2-12?
- Who do you know who is, as they say, "getting away with murder"?
- The key word and the pivotal center of the psalm is the word till in verse 17. What takes place here in the sanctuary?
- The yet in verse 23 links two contrasting statements. What are they?
- The prosperity of the wicked occupied the first part of the psalm (vv. 1-16). The presence of the Lord occupies the second (vv. 17-28). What is more vivid to you, the wicked or the Lord? Explain.
Applying the Word
- Self-pity is like a deadly virus. How would you express, in terms of your own life, what the psalmist says in verses 13-14?
- The appearance of the wicked whom we envy is in utter and complete contrast to their reality (vv. 18-20). How do you discern between what you see (and are tempted to envy) and what is (and so is affirmed in obedience)?
- Worship is the pivotal act in this prayer. The Christian consensus is that it is the pivotal act every week. How can worship become a more pivotal part of your experience?
Responding in Prayer
In your time of prayer spend five minutes in silence, savoring God's presence, letting him restore your perspective. Then speak your praises.
For Further Study
Doubting by Alister McGrath