Finding Gratitude When the World Let’s You Down: 4 Lessons from Psalm 73

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When I place my eyes on this world and the things in it, my hope plummets, my joy tanks, and my praise doesn’t rise above the floor. My heart often drifts toward what this life has to offer in order to find satisfaction.

Whether it’s financial security, the perfect marriage, the recommended number of kids, physical health, or a trouble-free existence, we can chase after these things so doggedly that disappointment will overwhelm us if not obtained.

But this world we live in is:

  • Broken and searching for pleasure where true pleasure can’t be found.

  • Filled with imperfect people who will disappoint us.

  • Home to fragile bodies reminding us daily that we’re dust––wearing down, growing weary, and vulnerable to sickness and decay.

As long as we reside on earth, we’ll face hardships that threaten to rob us of joy. Disappointment, comparison, and unfulfilled expectations can smother our ability to practice gratitude. But when we turn to God’s Word, we find instruction on how to cultivate thanksgiving.

Asaph wrote Psalm 73, and his praise plummeted when he placed his eyes on the world around him instead of the Lord. Asaph opens Psalm 73 by declaring God’s goodness (v. 1), but then admits his feet “almost stumbled,” and his steps “nearly slipped” when he took his eyes off God (vs. 2, 3).

The unrighteous people around Asaph looked like they were climbing the ladder of success without a care in the world. They were prospering while Asaph and God’s people experienced suffering and hardship. The psalmist couldn’t understand and questioned why, but he was looking in the wrong place to find answers.

When Asaph turned his eyes to the Lord, he made four discoveries. These discoveries gave Asaph reasons to thank God, and I pray these truths serve to do the same for you and me today.

1. We Can Be Thankful for the Promise of God’s Presence

“Nevertheless, I am continually with you.”

- Psalm 73:23a ESV

As children of God, we’re guaranteed His presence will go with us––whether it’s through sunny days filled with ease or stormy weather bringing uncertainty, confusion, and despair. Christ Jesus is our Immanuel, or “God with us” (Matt. 1:23; Isa. 41:10; Ps. 23:4). We shouldn’t allow the disillusionment, discontentment, and disappointment in this life to convince us that our Father’s presence has fled. We can stand on the promise that He will never leave or forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

2. We Can Be Thankful for the Grasp of God’s Hand

“You hold my right hand.”

- Psalm 73:23b

God’s powerful hand is evidenced throughout creation­. The One who formed the stars, the mountains, and the sea also created you and me. And this same marvelous hand is filled with gentleness as the Lord leads us through the valley, beside still waters, and restores our souls (Ps. 23). His magnificence is beyond anything in this world.

3. We Can Be Thankful for the Guidance of God’s Counsel

“You guide me with your counsel.”

- Psalm 73:24a

Our Father knows us by name. He has a plan for the ages, and He has a personal plan for each of us too. The Lord cares for us and, from the womb, He designed the lives He wants us to live (Ps. 139:16). We may never understand on this side of heaven why He chooses the paths of suffering and hardship we face, but we can trust God’s sovereignty. He is our perfect guide! We just need to live one day at a time, taking one step at a time (Prov. 4:18).

4. We Can Be Thankful for the Future Glory of God’s Heaven

“And afterward you will receive me to glory.”

- Psalm 73:24b

As Christians, we know for certain heaven is our eternal home (John 14:2-3). Every step we take in this life is leading us to a glorious ending where we’ll see Jesus face-to-face (1 Cor. 13:12; 1 John 3:2), live in His presence forever (Rev. 21:3), and be free from trouble and trials (Rev. 21:4; 2 Cor. 4:17-18).

Here’s the question for today: What are we looking at for a reason to give thanks?

If it’s to the things and people of this world, our reasons will fall short.

Let’s focus on the goodness, faithfulness, and joy of the Lord. He promises His presence, the grasp of His hand, His guidance, and to bring us home to share in His glory in heaven. Oh, what a reason to praise!

Prayer:

Lord, forgive me for the times I take my eyes off You and place them on the things of this world. Thank You for reminding me that You’re always with me, holding my hand, guiding me by Your counsel, and leading me toward the glory that awaits in Your presence. Help me to remember that true joy isn’t found in perfect circumstances but in Your perfect will. Fill my heart with thanksgiving for Your presence today and the promise of heaven tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.