Asaph, the writer of Psalm 73, had an epiphany that saved him from wandering away from the LORD after “coming close to stumbling” (Psalm 73:2).

Asaph: A Faithful Worship Leader

Asaph was a Levite from the family of Gershon, the son of Berachiah. He was trusted by King David to lead music in Tabernacle worship (1 Chronicles 6:39; 15:7).

He was appointed chief among the musicians to celebrate, thank, and praise the LORD during the relocation of the Ark of the Covenant (1 Chronicles 16:5).

Based on the twelve Psalms he penned, it is clear that Asaph was not only a gifted musician and leader, but someone who deeply loved the LORD with all his heart.

A Faithful Man Who Nearly Slipped

Yet even Asaph confessed:

“My feet came close to stumbling; my steps had almost slipped.”
(Psalm 73:2)

He was faithfully walking in what the LORD had called him to do, day by day, until something around him caused him to falter.

The Trap of Comparison

Asaph writes:

“For I was envious of the arrogant as I saw the prosperity of the wicked…
They are not in trouble as other men…
Pride is their necklace…
Behold, these are the wicked; and always at ease, they have increased in wealth.
Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence;
For I have been stricken all day long and chastened every morning.”

Asaph allowed his focus to drift from the eternal riches of his relationship with the LORD to the fleeting prosperity of the world around him. He came dangerously close to slipping.

A Turning Point in the Presence of God

But then—he caught himself. He chose to think deeply about what was troubling him:

“When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight
until I came into the sanctuary of God…”
(Psalm 73:16–17)

In the presence of the LORD, and through meditating on His Word, Asaph regained his footing.

Where True Riches Are Found

He declared:

“Whom have I in heaven but Thee?
And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
(Psalm 73:25–26)

“But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the LORD God my refuge,
That I may tell of all Thy works.”
(Psalm 73:28)

A Personal Prayer and Reminder

Whenever our focus drops from the LORD, His Word, and His promises, we face the same stumbling blocks Asaph did.

Dear LORD, let Asaph’s response to the temptations and distractions of this world be a reminder to me. Whenever my focus begins to drift from Your face, draw me back.

May I always relish the nearness of You above all that this world can offer.
You are my portion forever.