God-Our Eternal Guide

Introduction:

Think about the complexities of our past and present

With that in mind, what do you think our future be like?

Regardless of how you perceive your future,

I come here tonight to tell you that we can find comfort and assurance in the promise that God is our eternal guide.

The psalmist beautifully expresses this in

Psalms 73:23-25 (KJV) Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. 24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

Note Asaph’s sole dependence on our eternal and loving God.

But his attitude didn’t begin this way.

The psalmist had acknowledged being envious of the prosperity of the wicked (v. 3).

Psalms 73:3 (KJV) For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

He experienced a radical turning point after he came to worship God in His Sanctuary (v. 17).

Psalms 73:17 (KJV) Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

Bathing his mind with the truth of God’s Word,

Asaph remembered God will ultimately judge the wicked (vv. 17-20),

Psalms 73:18-20 (KJV) Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. 19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. 20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

and he showed a deep sense of repentance (vv. 21-22).

Psalms 73:21-22 (KJV) Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. 22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

“I was as a beast before thee”

Have you ever accused God of not hearing your prayers?

How about not understanding God’s direction in your life?

Have you ever questioned God as to why you were going through some terrible thing?

Were you ever “as a beast before thee” like Asaph?

His accusatory attitude at the beginning of this psalm

is replaced with a humbled spirit that cleaves closer to God in godly delight.

Let us consider how God’s guidance encompasses our past, present, and future, reminding us of the unwavering love and support He has for us.

1: Thou Hast Holden Me by My Right Hand — Past

In our past, we often encounter moments of doubt, fear, and regret.

Yet, Psalm 73:23 reminds us that God has always been with us.

He has held us by our right hand,

guiding us through trials and tribulations.

Isaiah 41:10 reassures us,

Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Reflect on your own life—

how has God’s hand guided you through difficult times?

Even when we felt lost or alone, He was there,

leading us toward His purpose.

Romans 8:29 (KJV) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

By telling us that we are predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.

God is showing that our past experiences shape us into who we are meant to be in Christ.

2: Thou Shalt Guide Me with Thy Counsel — Present

As we move into the present,

we are reminded that God continues to guide us with His counsel.

Psalm 73:24 states, “You guide me with your counsel.”

As your journey through this world filled with confusion and uncertainty,

we can always turn to God’s Word for wisdom and direction.

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Are we seeking His counsel daily?

Are we allowing His Spirit to lead us in our decisions?

When we surrender our lives to Him,

we can trust that He will guide us on the right path.

3: Afterward Receive Me to Glory — Future

Finally, let us look forward to the future with hope and assurance.

The psalmist concludes in Psalm 73:24,

“and afterward receive me to glory.”

Or, “you will take me into glory.”

This is the promise of eternal life

It is a source of great comfort for us believers

Remember Jesus’ promise to us in John 14?:

John 14:1-3 (KJV) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.