Right Thinking In A Troubled World - 3

Introduction - In the last lesson we moved into the second section in this Psalm, beginning in verses 10 - 20.

As you look at this Psalm, we see that it is divided in half.

Ten verses deal with right thinking, ten verses deal with wrong thinking.

Right in the middle we find the phrase, “And I said, “This is my infirmity…” (vs. 10)

Asaph’s infirmity was not the external troubles he faced. His infirmity was in the mind.

We remember the words of the penman of Hebrews in Hebrews chapter 12, where the penman compares our difficulties against those faced by the Lord.

He states, “2 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 3 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”

We are told in the 10th chapter of 2 Corinthians that we ought not to compare ourselves one with another. (2 Corinthians 10:12)

But we are told to look to the Lord Jesus Christ as our example.

For instance in John 13:12–15 “12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

The Lord tells us in Luke 6:40 “40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.”

We are also compelled to look at the prophets and Christians of times past who have finished their race as examples.

James 5:10 “10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.”

The point made is clear, (1) The battlefield is in our mind. (2) The Lord suffered greater difficulties then we can imagine — in this He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. (Hebrews 4:15) and (3) There are many examples to show us that our difficulties are not peculiar to us. In other words, down through the ages many have suffered great things in this life.

And so, we saw:

IV. The Occupation With God vs. 10-12

A. The Identification of His Infirmity. vs. 10

B. The Insistence On His Right-Thinking vs. 10-12

We discovered that Asaph made a five-fold occupation with God.

This was not just a trip to remembrance lane saying, what has God done for me.

In other words we can look at the works of God in times past in a selfish manner versus looking at the works of God in a sanctified manner.

We must take to heart what the Bible declares about the works of the Lord in Mark 7:37 “37 And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.”

My friend the Lord has made no mistakes with you— perhaps you have turned from Him, but His plan is perfect.

Asaph began a pattern of thinking that God’s plan the perfect plan.

He said—-I will think this way.

Which brings us to the final section of this Psalm in verses 13-20.

What is the outcome of occupation with self… Well as we saw earlier the outcome is misery.

What is the outcome of occupation with God?

V. The Outcome Is Joy

From verses 13 through the end of the psalm, Asaph is praising God. He is declaring the majesty and might of God. He begins in verse 13 by stating an important truth.

Psalm 77:13 “13 Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: Who is so great a God as our God?”

Where is the way of God found?

The Bible says in the sanctuary.

To understand this we must consider the sanctuary which Asaph is referring to.

The sanctuary in Asaph’s day was the place of worship.

It was where the people of God came to meet with God. It was where the people of God brought their sacrifices to be right with God.

It was the place where the people of God gave what they were commanded to give.

God’s way in the sanctuary speaks to two aspects:

It speaks to a place.

It speaks to a practice.