Psalms 73:21-26

Psalms 73:21-26

[21] Thus my heart  was grieved,  and I was pricked  in my reins.  [22] So foolish  was I, and ignorant:  I was as a beast  [23] 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. [26] My flesh  and my heart  faileth:  but God  is the strength  of my heart,  and my portion  for ever. 

What does Psalms 73:21-26 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Asaph also found encouragement as he reflected on his own future and the future of all the faithful.
The awareness of the relative prosperity of the godless led Asaph to become bitter toward God ( Psalm 73:21). However, now he realized that he was wrong and his viewpoint was similar to an animal"s, namely, ignorant of divine revelation ( Psalm 73:22). Sober reflection reminded him that God had not abandoned him but would one day provide the good things He presently withheld ( Psalm 73:23-24).
The phrase "to glory" ( Psalm 73:24) probably means "with honor." Asaph"s generation of believers did not have much revelation concerning life beyond the grave. He was probably referring to future vindication during his lifetime rather than glory in heaven. [1] We know from later revelation that our vindication as Christians will come mainly the other side of the grave at the judgment seat of Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Psalm 73:25-26 are a great expression of faith and contentment with the spiritual blessings God has promised His people. Asaph was presently willing to go without anything material because he had a proper relationship with God. That was enough for him. God would be his strength (cf. Psalm 18:1) and his portion (cf. Psalm 16:5; Psalm 119:57; Psalm 142:5) forever (cf. Philippians 4:11-13).