The Occupy Wall Street is nothing new. Flip your Bible open to the 73rd Psalm and see a very similar scene. This tune starts out very much like a sixties era protest song that you might have heard at Woodstock. But suddenly the songwriter named Asaph compares glamorous life of the filthy right with the amazing goodness of being in the presence of God. No comparison. Suddenly, the lyrics erupt in worship. Everything else is just monopoly money in contrast to basking in the very glory of the Lord. In an instant, everything changes. God is all I need. God is all I want.
Right off the bat, the psalmist is completely transparent with his frustration over the haves versus the have nots (v3-5). One look at their lavish lifestyles results in jealousy. He wants what they have. And because of their wealth, they are living large and in charge. “They have no pangs until death” (v4). Nothing really bothers the one percent because they’re able to throw just sick amounts of cash at their problems. “Their bodies are fat and sleek” (v4). This is the ancient way of saying they are in top physical shape. They’re ripped. They’re jacked. Six pack abs. They eat the good stuff and it shows.
The songwriter goes on to tell us how these wealthy folks have no problem in abusing the poor and disenfranchised to build up their portfolio even more (v6-9). They laugh at people living below the poverty line. And if that’s not enough, they have absolutely no use for God. Why should they? They’ve got everything they need. Or at least they think they do.
The lifestyles of the unrighteous rich and famous have an effect on poor and unknown. It doesn’t take long to wonder if following, obeying, and worshiping God has been a colossal waste of time. “All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning” (v13-14). The one percent has ignored the Lord and has piled up cash as high as the sky. Meanwhile the ninety-nine has nothing to show for their faithfulness but a beat-down from life.
But then something happens. Our author walks into the sanctuary of God and it changes absolutely everything (v16-17). Once in the presence of Yahweh, he sees life from a new perspective. From God’s perspective. God’s presence is a complete game changer. Asaph realizes that what the rich really have is a ticket to their own destruction (v18-20). God opens his eyes to see just how out of whack his own priorities had become (v21-22). He takes the time to admit what an absolute knucklehead he’s been. He confesses his sin. He repents and does a 180 back toward the Lord.
At this point, the songwriter realizes just what God was up to despite his own rebellion. The Lord has been with him the entire time. “Nevertheless, I am continually with you” (v23). It’s not so much about our faithfulness, but His. I’m placing my complete trust in the One who will never, ever give up (2Tim 2:13). It’s not about the strength of my faith. Instead this is all about the One in whom I place my faith. I may wobble and turn away from Him but He won’t ditch me. Ever. Don’t forget Jesus’ famous last words before heading home to heaven. “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). Draw a circle around the word “nevertheless” (v23). God has “nevertheless” faithfulness.
And look what God is doing to ensure we’re always in His presence. “You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward you will receive me into glory” (v23-24). He holds. He guides. He receives. What do I do? Not much. I’m just along for the ride. Between here and glory, He directs me. Just how valuable is His divine guidance? Flip over to the 119th Psalm. It’s the longest chapter in the Bible. Consider this tune to be the “American Pie” of Scripture. The big difference between Don McLean’s big hit and this psalm is that the meaning of this song is unmistakeable. I may not have a clue about the day the music died, but there’s no question about Psalm 119. It’s a fabulous love song written to God and His guidance through His Word. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps 119:105). Our heavenly Dad lovingly gives us instruction in order to keep us out of trouble. If I stay on His path and I won’t get hurt.
Asaph asks the musical question, “Whom have I in heaven but You?” (v25). The author realizes that there’s absolutely nothing he wants in heaven or earth more than God. There’s a ton of fabulous things in life and unthinkable riches in heaven, but they don’t hold a candle to God’s presence. King David sang about how the only thing he really ever wanted was to spend every waking hour in the Lord’s temple and simply take in the jaw-dropping glory of God (Ps 27:4). Another psalmist wrote that he would rather be an usher in the house of God than have a place of honor among the wicked (Ps 84:10). A few hundred years later, the Apostle Paul fired off a letter to his friends in Philippi to let them know that compared to Jesus, everything else in his life looked like a big steaming pile. The one percent can keep the cash. I want Christ. “And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You” (v25). The gifts are nice. The Giver is the best!
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart” (v26). Life is short. Life is hard. Despite anything and everything that comes my way, the Lord gives me the courage to press on. That’s because that no matter what happens, Jesus is “my portion forever” (v26). That’s a reminder of what happened one evening at Mary and Martha’s place. The two sisters invited the Rabbi/Carpenter to swing by for dinner. Martha couldn’t enjoy His visit because she “was distracted with much serving” (Lk 10:40). When she got up in Jesus’ face because she thought He didn’t give a hot hoot that she was working so hard. She wanted Him to tell her sister to get off her keister and help. At this point, Jesus told His host to pump her brakes and slow down. “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her” (Lk 10:41-42). Mary knew what Asaph knew. Jesus isn’t just the source of the blessing. Jesus IS the blessing!
If I need to occupy anything, it should be His presence. Let this be the start of the Occupy Jesus movement.
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