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Drawing Near to God

Text: Psalm 73
30 July 2006

(I) IT IS GREAT TO BE ABLE TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD

“Draw near to my soul, and redeem it” Psalm 69:18

1. A natural desire

2. A great desire

3. A desire expressed to God in prayer

(II) IT IS POSSIBLE TO LOSE THAT CLOSENESS TO GOD

1. When one becomes envious

“For I was envious of the boastful,
When I saw the prosperity of the wicked” Psalm 73:3

2. When one keeps looking at the wicked (rather than the Lord)

a) The health and strength of the wicked Psalm 73:4

b) The seemingly trouble-free life of the wicked Psalm 73:5

c) The oppressive activities of the wicked Psalm 73:6-12

3. When one allows feelings of despair to set in

“Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain,
And washed my hands in innocence
For all day I have been plagued,
And chastened every morning.” Psalm 73:13-14

a) Almost regretting living a life of innocence

b) Almost regretting choosing living a cleansed life

c) Almost regretting living a life that receives the chastening of God

(III) RETURNING TO A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

“Until I went to the sanctuary of God
Then I understood their end” Psalm 73:17
“But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the LORD God,
That I may declare all Your works” Psalm 73:28

1. Going to the sanctuary of God

a) A deeper understanding of the fate of the wicked is obtained

b) Revelation of the judgment that awaits the wicked Psalm 73:18-20

2. Confession of sinful foolishness

“Thus my heart was grieved
And I was vexed in my mind.
I was so foolish and ignorant
I was like a beast before You” Psalm 73:21-22

a) Foolishness

b) Ignorance

c) Like a beast

3. Closeness to God again

a) Trust in God restored

d) Desire to speak of God’s works resumed

4. Fresh appreciation of God

“You will guide me with You counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” Psalm 73:24-26

a) God as Guide

b) God as One who will receive us in heaven

c) God as Provider of Strength