Holding Hands With the God of the Universe
11/14/2021
Claudia Graf MA, LPCA
November 13, 2021
By Claudia Graf MA, LPCA – newest counselor at the Bridge of Hope
Holding Hands with the God of the Universe
Since I was a little girl, I have had a strong sense of fairness and still today, seeing injustice happen is one of the few things that makes me angry. Poverty, hunger, racism, sex trafficking, abuse and the innocent suffering wherever we turn; those are not just issues we are dealing with today. Asaph, who wrote Psalm 73, had the same struggles and questions so many years ago. He was a Levite, the father of a family of recognized worship leaders and songwriters and was appointed by King David to be the leader of one of the three Levitical choirs. He was also a prophet and a seer. Asaph had such a close relationship with God that he dared to be brutally honest with him, just venting his frustration to God. Asaph said: “God this is not right, why do the wicked increase in wealth and are carefree whereas the righteous suffer and struggle to get by? God, something is wrong here! This is not fair! Was it in vain that I kept my heart clean and lived righteously? Why do I have to suffer? (73:3-16)” Asaph admits that he nearly lost his faith over those questions (73:2). But as the psalm unfolds, Asaph spent time in God’s presence and his focus started to shift. He did not get all the answers he was looking for, but his perspective changed completely, and he decided to choose to stick with God despite it all. He said:
“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.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
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.” (Ps 73:23-28, NIV)
Unfortunately, some of our questions will go unanswered on this side of heaven, but our outlook inevitably changes when we draw close to God’s heart and spend time in worship, reading his Word – in his presence. Asaph realized how great, sovereign, powerful, wise and just God is and yet how relatable, listening patiently to his venting like a loving Father who wants a relationship with him (73:17-20). Some situations are frankly heartbreaking and unjust, but God will bring about justice and set all the wrong right, judging fairly. Even though Satan still has some limited power right now, as we see all around us – God will have the last word and will make all things right (Ps 73:27, Rev 20;21:1-6). But he is not only just but also truly cares. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. He will make all things new “(Rev 21:4-5). One day, there will be no more innocent children dying, no more trauma, no more grief and loss. This gives me hope - hope for a bright future and for some redemption and healing already on this side of heaven.
But there is more, after this realization of God’s presence, justice and care Asaph made a well-informed decision to stick to God despite all the injustice and suffering all around him and in his own life. He says “Yet, despite it all, I am always with you. You hold me by my right hand”. A powerful person taking the right hand of a weaker or needy person, back in Asaph’s time, showed that they will be protected and rescued (Ps 109:31; 121:5). If Yahweh, the creator of the universe, takes your right hand, he identifies with you, gives you divine recognition and support, like God did with Israel (Isa 41:31). Even at times when I am confused and do not see the future clearly, to know that this mighty strong hand of my loving God is holding the hand of little me because he cares, because he is interested, because I am his child - it is just incredible and it tells me that he will not leave you and me up to chance. This imagery gives us special value and dignity, yet this covenant relationship also involves activity from our side in making a decision to be with God, to cling to him and he in return will uphold us (Ps 63:8, 41:12).
Asaph had come to the realisation that the presence of God, that was as close as if he could feel God holding his hand, was better than any riches the world could possibly offer. Holding his hand also means being guided by him (73:24) and him leading us to a glorious future in heaven, receiving us with glory (73:24) – a bright future indeed. Asaph understood that God is the only source of life, strength and refuge, the ultimate fulfilment (Ps 84:2, Ps 18:1). I agree with Asaph that here is nothing more desirable and rewarding than being in God’s presence, walking with him and getting to know him as intimately as possible (Ps 16:2, 5 Phil 3:8). Do you have a personal relationship with the creator of the universe? He would love to be your refuge, strength, saviour, and friend. He offers to hold your right hand to comfort, protect and guide you – will you let him?
References
Alexander, Pat and David. 1999. The Lion Handbook to the Bible. Oxford: Lion Hudson plc
Broyles, Craig C. 1999. New International Biblical Commentary Psalms. Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.
Harris R, Archer G. 1980. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament Volume 2. Chigaco: Moody Press
Kidner, Derek. 1975. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries Psalms 73-150. Downers Grove: Inter-Varstity Press
Phillips, John. 1988. Exploring the Psalms Volume One Ps 1-88. Neptune: Loizeaux brothers
Ryken, Leland and Ryken Philip Graham. 2007. The Literary Study Bible. ESV. Wheaton: Crossway Bibles.
Wicock, Michael. 2001. The message of Psalm 73-150. Nottingham: Inter-Varsity Press.