Note, in the title of this psalm, that it is attributed to Asaph (See Psalm 50, 73-83). He was a Levite who was a composer and a director of choirs that sung in the temple. In Psalm 73, Asaph described a crisis that involved him becoming overwhelmed by the evil in the world.

Psalm 73:1-3 - Asaph first declared the faithfulness of God. Then he shared his dilemma. Asaph stumbled over the seemingly prosperous condition of evil doers.

Psalm 73:4-12 - It appeared to him that the wicked lived long, spoke proudly and blasphemously, accomplished their wicked goals, and gained in wealth.

Psalm 73:13-16 - This perspective was aggravating to Asaph. His faith was withering. Yet, he didn't want to discourage other believers. So, he kept his thoughts to himself and let them fester inside.

Psalm 73:17-19 - A turning point came for Asaph when he went to worship God. There, in God's house, Asaph was reminded that the prosperity of the wicked is short-lived. Their temporary success blinds evil doers and causes them to be proud and full of vain confidence. Their hearts are hardened. They are headed to a swift destruction. In the big picture, they are not prospering. They are perishing. God's people are triumphing. See Psalm 37:1-40 (This psalm of David is an excellent follow-up to Psalm 73); Romans 8:28-39.

Psalm 73:20-22 - It is as if Asaph woke up and felt ashamed for doubting God and His ways. He felt like an animal before the Lord. Why did he let himself wallow in anxiety?

Psalm 73:23-28 - Then Asaph again declared the steadfastness of God. Our relationship with God is unchanged / undiminished by the deeds of the wicked. There is no one in heaven or on earth that we could desire more than God. He will guide us through this vale of sorrows and then receive us up into His heavenly glory (Psalm 48:14; 17:15). How the worship of the Lord protects our minds and hearts! See Philippians 4:4-9.

Faith Challenged Again

In John 6:66-69, Jesus' ministry appeared to take a down-turn. A heated debate had resulted in many people turning away from Jesus and following Him no more. Jesus asked the twelve if they also were going to turn away. Peter gave a profound answer. There was no one else to go to. Jesus is the only way. They were stranded on gospel truth, along with the grace of God and His Son! See John 5:19-24; 7:16-18; 14:1-6; Matthew 16:13-17.

Faith Protected and Prospering

From the above illustration, we see that your faith will not prosper unless you keep your eyes on Jesus and not on the crowd! See Hebrews 12:1-3; John 15:1-8.

Philippians 3:12-15 - Our faith needs to focus on a goal to go forward. The Lord, who gave us faith, has a plan for us and wants us to fulfill His plan. Like riding a bicycle (especially when going uphill) we need to apply pressure on our selves to keep peddling. You can't coast long! See the grace of the Lord, who reminds us when our minds are drifting!

Faith will Desire God's Word - Experience God through Scripture

Romans 8:8-18 - When we are born again, we become spiritual people. We have wonderful advantages because God's Spirit resides in us. He helps us overcome sinful desires and practices. He comforts us and assures us that we belong to Him and that we have a glorious future. He also helps us identify and fellowship with other believers.

Romans 16:25-27 - In order to establish / strengthen your faith, God has set up His Word to keep you going forward. Everything, in the context of Christ and the Gospel, from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament Epistles, is designed to help you keep your faith and to keep it growing. See Romans 10:17; 15:4-6,13-14; II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:16-21; 3:10-18.

II Peter 1:2-11 - As you apply yourself to the Scriptures and seek to build your faith, you will experience the grace of God ministering to you - confirming you, strengthening you, and protecting you. See John 10:27-29; I Corinthians 1:3-9; Ephesians 3:14-21; Colossians 2:6-10; Jude 1:20-21; I Thessalonians 5:16-24; II Timothy 4:18.