Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

“Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long.” Psalm 74:22

Have you ever wondered why people who dishonor God seem to thrive while the faithful suffer? Have you ever asked, “Where is God in all of this?” If so, you’re not alone. Psalms 73 and 74 give voice to those honest questions...and guide us to a deeper trust.

Psalm 73: When Envy Creeps In

Asaph begins Psalm 73 in turmoil:

“I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (v.3)

But the turning point comes in verse 17:

“Until I entered the sanctuary of God, then I understood their final destiny.”

Have I let the temporary success of others distort my view of God’s justice and goodness?

Perspective changes in God's presence. The sanctuary reveals eternal truths that envy hides.

Psalm 74: When God Feels Absent

Psalm 74 is a communal lament—a cry of confusion and desperation when God appears to do nothing as His people suffer and enemies mock.

“Why have you rejected us forever, O God?” (v.1)

“We see no signs… no prophets… and no one knows how long this will be.” (v.9)

Yet the psalm shifts in tone in verse 12:

“But God is my King from long ago; He brings salvation on the earth.”

Do I trust God’s kingship even when I can’t see His hand?

Even when God seems silent, we declare who He is. Faith remembers God's past victories while waiting for present answers.

Our Response: Strength in the Struggle

Psalm 73 ends with one of the most powerful confessions in Scripture:

“But as for me, it is good to be near God.” (v.28)

Together, these psalms remind us:

It’s okay to wrestle with doubt.

It’s okay to feel confused by injustice.

What matters is where you take those struggles...into the sanctuary, into prayer, into worship.

Am I allowing bitterness to grow, or am I bringing my burdens into God’s presence?

When life feels unfair and God seems quiet, your faith is not failing...it’s being refined. God welcomes your questions, your cries, and your worship. Stay near to Him. He is your portion, your defender, and your King.

Lord, sometimes I don’t understand Your ways. I see evil thrive and feel overwhelmed by silence. But I choose to enter Your presence, to remember who You are, and to trust that You are good. Strengthen my heart. Be my portion forever. In Your name, Amen.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

FALL AT VENTURE

KXP, MVMNT, The Gathering, House Church, and Care Groups are all starting back this fall! You can check the Fall at Venture webpage for launch dates and events happening this fall at Venture.