Sanctuary: Psalm 73

Oppression runs rampant in our world today. Trampling the poor. Persecuting the faithful. Trafficking the helpless. Destroying innocence. It’s splashed across screens here in America and on the other side of the world.

I’ve looked into the eyes of those caught in this evil. Devastated by it. I’ve heard their stories. I know those in the thick of trying to reach and rescue and rehabilitate and restore. It’s no simple task. No quick “glory story.” It’s hard and messy.

The gospel is the only answer. This I know with all my heart.

But some days it feels like darkness is winning.

I read Psalm 73. “When I tried to understand all this it seemed hopeless…” (Psalm 73:16). That’s how it seems some days. Then I read the next word. “When I tried to understand all this it seemed hopeless until…” (Psalm 73:16f).

“Until I entered the sanctuary…”

It gets me every time.
The psalmist is us,
watching the wicked
strut their words and fame
across the stage,
building their kingdoms on
deceit,
immorality,
oppression.
Watching them win,
we look on
helpless,
speechless,
hopeless,
hearts sinking with
foregone conclusions,
until.
Until we enter the sanctuary.
Until we fix our eyes on the Savior.
Until we are still,
listening,
remembering “The Lord, He is God.”
Until we worship.
Then we see.
We know.
We perceive.
Then we live with unexpected hope,
abandoned to the One and Only,
the strength of our hearts,
our forever portion.
He. is. enough.
Even there.
Even then.
Even now.

[originally written March 13, 2016, in Penang, Malaysia]

Sanctuary

“But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all You do” (Psalm 73:28 CSB).