ReFocus

Read: Psalm 73 

Have you ever wanted to quit? 

I have. 

Looking back on those times, I realize it’s always because my focus has been wrong.  

I’ve had my eyes on all the wrong things . . . 

This week, I want to share from Psalm 73.  

Asaph, the psalmist, is experiencing those feelings.  He’s questioning. And, he finds the answer. 

Maybe you’re in a difficult spot right now. Maybe you’re wanting to quit. Maybe you’re trying. 

Read Psalm 73. Spend some time with Asaph. Be encouraged. Refocus. 

Asaph was appointed by the king to be a worshipper (1 Chron. 6:39). This wasn’t a one-time appointment, rather it was a lifetime calling (1 Chron. 16:37). And yet, even worshippers can lose heart. How do you follow when all you want to do is quit? 

Asaph’s psalm is filled with raw emotion. At first, it seems that he has lost focus and forgotten his purpose. Looking around at others has seemingly brought him to his lowest point and has caused him to question his purpose. It was a battle that almost got the best of him. 

The shift came when he made the decision not to dwell in his questioning. Instead, he chose that he would get back to what he was called to be – a worshipper. He determined to, “enter the sanctuary of God” and his perspective changed. That decision set his focus on One who was greater than this world or anything it should offer. 

Our tendency is to become distracted. And, it’s natural to become discouraged. In those moments remember the decision that Asaph made: Don’t remain in that despair and decide to worship. 

There’s no greater realization than God is enough. Outside of that understanding, one will never find true satisfaction. But, once realized, it is far more valuable than anything the world can offer. 

Asaph had allowed himself to become distracted by the prosperity of the wicked people of his day. He questioned why they seemed to have more than they needed while God’s people only seemed to struggle. They were strong, powerful, wealthy, and arrogant. In the world’s economy, their good fortune seemed to have no limit. However, God’s economy is different—there is no comparison! 

Only when Asaph regained this perspective was he freed from the comparison game: A game that can’t be won. Before, he was allowing others to define his worth rather than embracing who God created him to be. It was when he settled within himself that God was the singular desire of his life that he discovered true, lasting satisfaction. 

It’s easy to become distracted by things that seem to be important. But remember: God’s people are not of this world. They live by a different standard. So, when invited to play the comparison game, refuse the invitation. There’s no comparison! 

Why not decide to focus on Him?!