Asaph’s Dilemma
Synopsis Psalms 72:15-73:23 12/1/2021
Asaph was a psalm writer. In this psalm, he famously wondered if he kept his heart clean in vain.
Asaph’s Dilemma
Asaph’s dilemma was common. The problem he faced was understanding why evil men seem to do well in this life. At the same time, it seemed to him that honest and devoted followers of the law do less well.
So, when he compared his own situation to that of people he considered to be sinners, he felt embittered. And this effected his judgement. And his bitterness made him wonder if he should continue to follow God’s law.
Comparing Myself
There is no avoiding comparisons. God designed my brain for this very purpose. He designed my brain to compare between “what is” and “what should be”. So, in this sense, my brain function is almost mechanical.
In fact, it really can’t be stopped. In the same way I can’t direct my stomach to stop processing food, I can’t stop my brain from making comparisons.
Still, I am the one who chooses which food to put in my stomach. And in a similar way, I am the one who chooses to focus my attention in a specific way. This is within my human power.
And so, the trick isn’t to try to stop all comparisons. Rather, the work is to focus on what really matters. And this starts with learning to properly focus my attention. Is what I’m doing what I should be doing?
Am I spending time loving God? Could I do something right now that expresses and communicates my love for God?
Am I spending time loving my neighbor? Could I be doing something right now that expresses and communicates my love for the people all around me?
These are right comparisons. Asking these right questions and making these right comparisons changes everything.
“I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written,* so that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over against another. Who confers distinction upon you? What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it?” 1Cor 4:6-7
