The Power of Confession

The Power of Confession

The Power Of Confession
Psalm 73
Psalms: Being Honest With God (Series)


Psalm 73:1-3
1Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost
my foothold. 3For I envied the arrogant when I saw the
prosperity of the wicked.


The seeming contradiction between God is good to those
who are pure in heart and what we actually experience.

Psalm 73:4-9
They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.5
They are free from common human burdens; they are not
plagued by human ills. 6
Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence. 7
From their callous
hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits.
8They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they
threaten oppression. 9
Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth. 10Therefore
their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.
11They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know
anything?” 12This is what the wicked are like—
always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. 13Surely in
vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in
innocence. 14All day long I have been afflicted, and every
morning brings new punishments.


The seemingly untroubled impression the ungodly make.

Psalm 73:15-20
15 If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your
children. 16 When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me
deeply 17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood
their final destiny. 18 Surely you place them on slippery ground;
you cast them down to ruin. 19 How suddenly are they
destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! 20 They are like a
dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise
them as fantasies.
The true results of Godless living.

Psalm 73:21-27
21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take
me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth
has nothing I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may
fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my
portion forever.
The writer of Hebrews honestly evaluates his own life.

Psalm 73:28
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
His conclusion is, God does keep his word.