Today we conclude our journey with Asaph, an Old Testament worship leader. Asaph was willing to share his struggles with doubt—and I’m glad he did! We often run from our doubts, but Asaph didn’t. He struggled with envy as he worked hard to live a righteous life. He was having a tough time of it, while others who didn’t seek God got richer on the backs of the poor. They pursued pleasure and everything seemed fine. Asaph couldn’t reason out why he should make the effort to live righteously, if the wicked and ungodly could do whatever they wanted and have a good time doing it. But then, Asaph went into the temple sanctuary and prayed. While in God’s presence, Asaph had a revelation—he needed to confess his own sins and repent! Let’s finish up this series with the last few verses of Psalm 73:

Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. Those who desert Him will perish, for You destroy those who abandon You. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. (verses 25-28)

On this road from doubt to faith, Asaph has finally discovered that knowing God is the most important thing in his life. Let’s listen to his words again: “Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.” Though Asaph struggled with his doubts, just like you and I do today, he was honest with God and eventually turned to Him. It wasn’t easy for Asaph. As he confessed and repented, God re-aligned his values. Asaph no longer sought the temporal things that had once seemed so important, and his relationship with God grew deeper. Here, at the end of his journey, Asaph makes his stand for God. Let’s listen to him again: “But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do.” In the end, Asaph faced his doubts. He shed his longing for things that didn’t matter and chose to devote his life to praising God and telling others about Him. Not only that, this record of Asaph’s journey from doubt to faith has helped countless others face their own doubts and grow their relationship with God.

Are you still struggling with your own faith today? Maybe Asaph’s experience is a good idea for you too. When your doubts come—as they surely will—don’t run from them. Seek God for wisdom; confess and repent of your sins…and then, make your stand for God!