In the Doubt and Discouragement – What we learn from Psalm 73

Is this all a waste? I wondered. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, and all external qualities suggested my day should be marked by smiles and ease. But my mind was spinning. As I drove through town, the fresh breeze pranced through my window, and all I could think about was how much easier life seemed on the other side of Christianity. Maybe I should do things my own way. Maybe I should fight for myself, because God doesn’t seem to be working. Maybe this simply isn’t worth it.

Thought after thought, my hope and my countenance shriveled like water funneling into a drain. Soon nothing would be left.

Guilt tends to overwhelm me in seasons like this. I question myself, wondering why the fruit of the Spirit isn’t abundant in me, and I feel frustrated in my inability to find the quick fix I assume is available. But perhaps honesty in our doubts isn’t as shameful as we may expect. Perhaps, God has already given us guidance for handling these seasons. 

Relief may come slowly, but it can be found as we continue looking in three basic directions: to the word of God, to the church, and ahead to what’s coming. Psalm 73 gives us insight:

Turning to God’s word, we’re reminded we’re not alone. We can be a Christian and have doubts. We resonate with the songs of Asaph that confess a wavering faith because “I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psalm 73:3). For generations upon generations, the people of God have wrestled with the same things we face today. We can praise God for giving us words to pray and relate to. We can bring our confession and honesty to him and not be turned away. May we stay in the written Word and tethered to the Living Word.

We can also look to the Church for support. The psalm goes on to say, “But when I thought to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God” (Psalm 73:16-17). Coming to the house of the Lord, we worship together. Whether we sing or simply let the words land on us, the truth of who God is seeps deep into our hearts through music. And the fellowship of gathering as a body provides opportunity to release our struggles and be carried along by our brothers and sisters. May we stay committed to worship and fellowship.

Lastly, we look ahead to what is coming. We look to the day of redemption, and we can be sure: there is no victory apart from the Lord. God will have vengeance upon the wicked, and he will resurrect the righteous. The Psalm declares, “those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you” (Psalm 73:27). May we stay confident in what is coming. 

For this is exactly what we see at the cross. Jesus himself endured the crucifixion because he looked ahead to the joy that would come – he looked ahead to us. [2] In the depths of his suffering, rescuing us was the motivation that got him through the very agony our sins caused. So now, the writer of Hebrews encourages us, “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted,” (Hebrews 12:3).

Jesus never questioned if the cross was worth it, if we were worth it. Praise him for that. Considering him, we see how deeply he loves us and what he did because of that love. With him and through him, our faith is strengthened as we work out thoughts and emotions, reconciling our beliefs against our lived experience. Perhaps we never find that quick fix, because walking with God is a forever journey. With him is exactly where God wants us to be. Because of the cross, we have his presence always, his open arms of invitation. Like the Psalm declares, “But for me it is good to be near God” (Psalm 73:28). 

And good it is, indeed. 

Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven by you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you – Psalm 73:23-25

[1] Genesis 3:15
[2] Hebrews 12:1-2

---

Read: Psalm 73

Related:
Sermon, Tim Keller – Praying Our Doubts
Remembering the Gospel in the Waiting
How to Pray for Faith in the Midst of Doubt – Crossway

Sing: Red Rocks Worship – There’s No Way