nevertheless

Asaph

had gotten himself into a pretty bad way

by looking at the wicked

and presuming that God showed them unmerited favor.

Asaph

decided that he had kept his heart clean

and his hands washed for naught.

Asaph

admitted that his heart was pricked

and his soul embittered

as he thought on these things.

Asaph,

thankfully,

caught himself in the act of destroying his soul

and altered his course.

Asaph

went into the sanctuary.

I love this!

Asaph

was made aware of his sinful thoughts and deeds

and turned his gaze and his thoughts

back to Almighty God. 

(God was merciful to reveal this to him) 

Asaph

repented and returned to the truth about himself and his God.

~~~~~

The word nevertheless ushers in the great grace of God.

Asaph said,

"Nevertheless I am continually with Thee."

"This is the astonishing thing,

that I am still with Thee. 

That Thou dost still permit me to come into Your presence."

(How many times have I felt this way)

This Psalm is a beautiful picture of

The amazing grace of God.

~~~~

"You hold my right hand,

You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward

you will receive me to glory."

But as for me,

it is good to be near God;

I have made the Lord God

my refuge,

that I may tell of all Your works."

Psalm 73

The text between the wavy lines

was taken from

"Faith Tried and Triumphant"

by Martyn Lloyd Jones.