How should Psalm 73:11 influence our trust in God's justice and oversight? Text in Focus Psalm 73:11: “And they say, ‘How does God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?’” Setting the Scene • Asaph looks at arrogant, prosperous sinners (vv. 3–12). • Their mocking question in v. 11 suggests God is either ignorant or indifferent. • The psalm will later reveal their end (vv. 17–20) and God’s constant presence with the righteous (vv. 23–28). What the Wicked Assume • God is uninformed: “How does God know?” • God is detached: “Does the Most High have knowledge?” • If those claims were true, injustice would reign unchecked. Why the Assumption Fails • Psalm 94:7-10 exposes the same taunt and answers it: the Creator who formed the ear hears; the One who formed the eye sees. • Proverbs 15:3: “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.” • Hebrews 4:13: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” How Psalm 73:11 Strengthens Our Trust • The verse identifies the root of unbelief—doubting God’s awareness—so we can confront it in our own hearts. • It reminds us that apparent impunity is temporary; God’s justice may be delayed, never denied (Psalm 73:17-19). • It invites us to contrast the arrogant question with God’s actual character: omniscient, righteous, and personally involved (Psalm 73:23-24). • It exposes the folly of evaluating God’s justice by present prosperity alone (Luke 16:25). Practical Takeaways • Guard your thoughts: when injustice seems rampant, refuse the whisper, “Does God even see?” • Anchor perspective in eternity: view success and suffering through the lens of final outcomes (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). • Stay near God’s presence, as Asaph did in the sanctuary; closeness clarifies confusion (Psalm 73:16-17, 28). • Respond to prosperity of the wicked with worship, not envy; God’s nearness “is my good” (v. 28). Scriptures That Echo the Point • Job 21:14-20 – The proud dismiss God yet face sudden judgment. • Malachi 3:13-18 – God notes every word; a scroll of remembrance is kept. • Romans 12:19 – “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” • Revelation 20:12 – Books are opened; every deed is reviewed. Walking It Out Today • When tempted to question God’s oversight, recite Psalm 73:23-24 aloud. • Keep a journal of instances where God’s justice or deliverance became visible over time. • Intercede for the seemingly unaccountable; God may use conviction to lead them to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Trust blooms when we see Psalm 73:11 for what it is—a hollow boast from the wicked, silenced by the all-knowing, ever-just Lord who will set all things right. |
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