February 13, 2022
Sermon Series: Introduction to Some Selected Psalms
Sermon # 7
WHERE YOU STAND DETERMINES WHAT YOU SEE!
Psalm 73:22 - 26
Introduction: A Seeing Problem
Myopia is a visual problem that keeps people from seeing objects at a distance. They can see only what is immediately before them. Without the aid of glasses and contacts, they cannot see where they are going or what is on the distant horizon. What is even worse is spiritual myopia. The person with this problem can see only what is immediately under his "spiritual nose," that this which is temporal, physical, and earthly. He can only see the here and now.
"Asaph," the author of Psalm 73, suffered a severe bout of myopic faith. This gifted man was an outstanding musician in the time of David and an appointed minister of music in the temple as the leader of one of David's Levitical choirs. This Psalm was written during a time when he took his eyes off the Lord and focused on the prosperity of the wicked around him
This was the problem which confronted the writer of this Psalm. Asaph was looking at his situation from the wrong vantage point. How often are we guilty of the same thing? There are times when terrible things come our way during the course of our lives. When this happens, we tend to only look at what we can see. However, there is far more to the picture than what these mortal eyes can behold.
This Psalm teaches us how to get our eyes off of our circumstances and place them squarely upon the Lord. Our friend Asaph was ready to quit. He was ready to throw in the towel and just walk away from God. You see, where a person stands determines what that person sees. This morning let's spend some time together on the thought Where You Stand Determines What You See.
Let's look at three assurances that will help us see better:
I. WE MUST FACE OUR FAULTS v. 22
A. The psalmist had foolishly focused on the faults of others.
1. He had envied the prosperity of the wicked v. 1-12.
2. He had grieved over his pain and their supposed blessings.
B. Finally, he faced up to his own sins v. 16-22
1. He went to the sanctuary and looked to God
2. In looking to God, we see our need of Him
C. We are all sinners in need of salvation Rom. 3:10-23.
1. Prosperity means nothing when we are perishing.
2. Facing our sins produces repentance and faith.
II. WE MUST BE GRATEFUL FOR GOD'S GUIDANCE v. 23-24
A. The presence of God is greater that the pleasures of the world.
1. Those who trust in Christ is never alone.
2. "I am continually with thee."
3. "Thou hast holden me by my right hand."
B. We can live constantly in the knowledge of God's presence.
1. Christ is with us always Matt. 28:20.
2. "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" Heb. 13:5.
C. God's guidance is given to those who trust Him.
1. "Thou shalt guide me by thy counsel."
2. The guidance of God determines the direction of our lives.
III. WE MUST GRASP THE GUARANTEE OF GLORY v. 24-25
A. "And afterward receive me to glory."
1. The psalmist was sure heaven was ahead.
2. How great to know the best is yet to come.
B. "Afterward!" Death held no power over him and God was his
portion forever (the Lord has his inheritance).
WHERE YOU STAND DETERMINES WHAT YOU SEE!
Conclusion: Do we have any Asaph's present today? Sure, we do! There are people in this audience who feel like giving up from time to time because of the load they are carrying through life. I would like to challenge you this morning to do what Asaph did. He went to the sanctuary and looked to God!. Ask God to give you His eyes so you can see clearly. Let God know that you need Him and you will put your trust in Him!
WHERE YOU STAND DETERMINES WHAT YOU SEE!
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