Asaph felt that his suffering was unwarranted and unfair. He admitted that he almost lost faith in God: “My steps had nearly slipped” (Psalm 73:2). It’s more than an extended difficult time; it’s the day after day, month after month, year after year with no relief and no end in sight, kind of hurt, that can breed a sense of abandonment and hopelessness. “Every morning brings new punishments!” (73:14b) Asaph nearly concluded, what’s the use? “Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain” (vs.12).
            Job cried to God, “Does it seem good to You that You should oppress, that You should despise the work of Your hands, and smile on the counsel of the wicked?” (Job 10:3). Habakkuk asked, “O LORD, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear?” (Habakkuk 1:2). What is going on? How long? Why?
            Asaph was particularly troubled by the why me and why not the wicked. “When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me-” (Psalm 73:16). Then Asaph spent some time with God (17) and some truths anchored him: 1. God will rectify things with the wicked. 2. Despite Asaph’s foolishness and ignorance, God was holding and guiding him. 3. After suffering, glory (vss. 18-24).
            “But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works” (Psalm 73:28).