Within Psalm 73, we see one of the most defined and biblical pictures of revival in the Word of God. The psalm sets before us the subject, the setting, and the substance of revival! In Psalm 73, we encounter a man named Asaph who moves from the slippery slopes of a divided heart to that of coming to rest in settled confidence in his God; a God who is not only sufficient, but is one that totally satisfies the heart and longings of His children. It is a portion of Scripture that the honest heart can identify with in at least two areas. The honest heart can identify with the drawing of the natural man.
The song writer of the 1800’s, Robert Robinson, was right on target when he wrote; “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it; prone to leave the God I love.” In spite of how gloriously sufficient our conversion experience was; while it accomplished the birth of the new man, it did not eradicate the presence of the old man. Paul said, “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me” (Romans 7:21). James described it thus; “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:14). In spite of all the positive qualities in Asaph’s life there still remained a corrupt nature that was void of an appetite and appreciation for the spiritual things of God; “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (I Corinthians 2:14). Let us not be like Simon Peter, who underestimated his adversary’s companions in evil and fall victim to the seductive drawing of the corrupt nature of the flesh!
Secondly, the honest heart can identify with the delights of the spiritual man. Asaph would ultimately declare; “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee” (vs. 25). For those that have enjoyed the intimate moments of communion and fellowship with the “Beloved”; they find themselves saying in unison with the Psalmist, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42:1-2). The inward nature of the spiritual man declares that there is none like Him; “he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend” (Song of Solomon 5:16). There is one and only one that can truly satisfy and complete the longings of one that is a recipient of the new nature and that is God Himself! The spiritual man finds total delight in the God of their salvation!
Within this psalm of Asaph, we are confronted with the dual nature of the redeemed; sensual and spiritual. Just as the flesh is drawn to sin, faith is drawn to the Sovereign! Asaph sets before us the personal battle that raged within him; a conflict between the sinful works of the flesh and sanctifying work of faith, his story is our story. Psalm 73 sets forth more than just the operation of revival, but places before those of an honest and seeking heart, the opportunity of revival.
We are so grateful for our friends in the work of Enjoying the Journey. Dr. Bob Sanders is a great encourager and man of the Word. This article is an excerpt from “SonLight on Redemption & Revival” the latest work of Evangelist Dr. Bob Sanders. It is available at: drbobsanders.com or on Amazon in E-Book form or mail order. We encourage you to visit his website for many additional resources.
