EGW WritingsPsalms 73

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 47, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 47, 1909, par. 12

Read Psalms 71, 72, 73, and 78. Let the words become familiar to your minds, also Psalm 90-93, and 103 and 104.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 2, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 2, 1903, par. 34

Let no one despair of gaining the victory. Victory is sure when self is surrendered to God. The Lord is on the ground. The church is to see of His salvation. God is not slack concerning His promise. He has given His angels charge over His children. Hereafter the witness will be heard, “My feet had well nigh slipped, but the Lord upheld me.” [See Psalm 73:2.] The Lord’s way was the best—to come in trial to the one He wished to help.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 4, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 4, 1896, par. 8

But again David’s experience changed. As he saw that transgressors and sinners were allowed to receive blessings and favors, while those who really loved God were compassed with difficulties and perplexities that the open sinner did not have, he thought that God’s ways were not equal. “As for me,” he said, “my feet were almost gone: my steps had well-nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble like other men.” “Behold these are the ungodly who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.” [Psalm 73:2-5, 12.]

11LtMs, Ms 4, 1896, par. 9

David could not understand this till he went into the sanctuary of God, and then, he says, “understood I their end.” “Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castest them down to destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. So foolish was I, and ignorant; I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless, I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by thy right hand.” “It is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.” [Verses 17-23, 28.]

To Be Like Jesus

Build Character on Jesus, the Rock, June 13

BLJ 176.1

I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.... Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Psalm 73:3-17, NKJV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 53, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 53, 1899, par. 8

They put on airs of importance, and by their actions say, The judgment of no one is as good as mine. “Pride compasseth them about as with a garment.” [See Psalm 73:6.] They think they are creating a sensation, and they are, but it is very different from what they hoped to create. No one loves to see pomposity and self-inflation in others, especially in the inexperienced youth. Reticence and modesty ever command respect from sensible people. Let those who think themselves capable of managing themselves take their own way, and they will follow the path to ruin.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 10—The Tower of Babel

PP 124.2

Many seek to make a heaven for themselves by obtaining riches and power. They “speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily” (Psalm 73:8), trampling upon human rights and disregarding divine authority. The proud may be for a time in great power, and may see success in all that they undertake; but in the end they will find only disappointment and wretchedness.

Education

Honest Business Dealings

Ed 144.3

“They set their mouth against the heavens.... And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?” “These things hast thou done,” God says, “and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes,” Psalm 73:9-11; 50:21.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 14—“Shall Not God Avenge His Own?”

COL 177.5

The world has become bold in transgression of God’s law. Because of His long forbearance, men have trampled upon His authority. They have strengthened one another in oppression and cruelty toward His heritage, saying, “How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?” Psalm 73:11. But there is a line beyond which they cannot pass. The time is near when they will have reached the prescribed limit. Even now they have almost exceeded the bounds of the long-suffering of God, the limits of His grace, the limits of His mercy. The Lord will interpose to vindicate His own honor, to deliver His people, and to repress the swellings of unrighteousness.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 15—The Bible and the French Revolution

GC 274.2

“And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” Infidel France had silenced the reproving voice of God’s two witnesses. The word of truth lay dead in her streets, and those who hated the restrictions and requirements of God’s law were jubilant. Men publicly defied the King of heaven. Like the sinners of old, they cried: “How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?” Psalm 73:11.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 15—The Bible and the French Revolution

GC88 274.2

“And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” Infidel France had silenced the reproving voice of God’s two witnesses. The Word of truth lay dead in her streets, and those who hated the restrictions and requirements of God’s law were jubilant. Men publicly defied the King of Heaven. Like the sinners of old, they cried, “How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?” [Psalm 73:11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 119, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 119, 1897, par. 10

Wherever you are, remember that you are near to God. He would have you surrender yourself to Him with all that you possess. It is all the Lord’s. Let us sense the fact that the Lord sees us, that He hears every word we utter. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good.” [Proverbs 15:3.] “For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.” [Psalm 139:4.] Satan may put into our hearts the inquiry, “How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” [Psalm 73:11.] Satan would have men forget that God is watching over them.

Our High Calling

Stay Close to Jesus, January 24

OHC 30.1

Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:23, 24.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 142, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 142, 1901, par. 14

The psalmist says, “Nevertheless I am continually with thee; thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. ... It is good for me to draw near to God; I have put all my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.” [Psalm 73:23-26, 28.]

My Life Today

My Counselor and Guide, January 21

ML 25.1

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:24.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 183, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 183, 1902, par. 19

“Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord thy God, which teacheth thee to profit, which leadest thee by the way which thou shouldest go.” [Isaiah 48:17.] Will you not say from this time, “My Father, Thou art the guide of my youth”? [Jeremiah 3:4.] “Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” “This is our God forever; He will be our guide even unto death.” [Psalm 73:24; 48:14.] “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” [Proverbs 3:6.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Wonderful Counselor, October 19

JNN 308.1

You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.—Psalm 73:24

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Sabbath Meetings

6T 367.2

While we review, not the dark chapters in our experience, but the manifestations of God’s great mercy and unfailing love, we shall praise far more than complain. We shall talk of the loving faithfulness of God as the true, tender, compassionate shepherd of His flock, which He has declared that none shall pluck out of His hand. The language of the heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise, like clear-flowing streams, will come from God’s truly believing ones. “Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” “Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.” Psalm 23:6; 73:24, 25.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

United with the Church Above

3TT 33.2

While we review, not the dark chapters in our experience, but the manifestations of God’s great mercy and unfailing love, we shall praise far more than complain. We shall talk of the loving faithfulness of God as the true, tender, compassionate shepherd of His flock, which He has declared that none shall pluck out of His hand. The language of the heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise, like clear-flowing streams, will come from God’s truly believing ones. “Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” “Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.” Psalm 23:6; 73:24, 25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 71, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 71, 1894, par. 32

Numbers who profess to believe the truth have sacrificed to Mammon rather than to the Holy One, and while they have a name to live, they are dead. But there are souls who have a connection with the work of God, who have held fast their integrity and have aimed to keep themselves unspotted from the world. By some, these have been looked upon as inferiors, but God has seen in them principles that have exemplified the loftiest integrity. The language of those who are striving to be overcomers will be, “Thou shalt guide me by thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none on earth that I desire beside thee.” [Psalm 73:24, 25.] Faith unfeigned must be cherished; it must become the basis of all true action. Self-denial and the cross lie directly in the pathway of all who are bending their steps after Jesus, never ashamed of Jesus, never departing from the simplicity of the faith, never ashamed to deny self, to lift the cross and to unite with Jesus, for He is the glory of the universe.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 138, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 138, 1897, par. 18

While we review, not the dark chapters in our experience, to complain, but the manifestations of His great mercy and unfailing mercy and love and power revealed in our deliverance, we will praise far more than complain. We will talk of the loving faithfulness of God, as the true, tender, compassionate Shepherd of His flock, which He has declared none shall pluck out of His hand. The language of the heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining, but praise, like clear flowing streams, will come from God’s truly believing ones. “Goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” [Psalm 23:6.] “Thou shall guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” “Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” [Psalm 73:24, 25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 48, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 48, 1907, par. 46

Let the language of every trembling soul be: “Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.” “Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” [Psalm 73:25, 24.]

In Heavenly Places

The Royal Path, May 15

HP 142.1

Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. Psalm 73:25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 13, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 13, 1897, par. 19

We are individually now testifying to the world of the power of the grace of Christ in the transformation of the human character from glory to glory, from character to character. In beholding Christ our Pattern, who is pure and holy and undefiled, we are being prepared for the society of the heavenly angels. If Christ is to be our Head and Prince in the heavenly courts, it becomes us to inquire, What is Christ to us now? Can we say as we contemplate our Redeemer, “Whom have I in heaven but thee: there is none on earth that I desire beside thee”? [Psalm 73:25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 188, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 188, 1901, par. 9

Brother John, I tell you your eternal interest depends upon a change in your heart in order that your head may work and plan so that all others may have a chance to accomplish the work, not after your devising, but after the wisdom given them individually by God. The tightness which Christ condemns—the holding of others to your terms—is casting a mold upon your character which must be broken, fully broken. Let all have their chance to work out their own righteousness with fear and trembling before God, for it is God that worketh in them to will and to do of His good pleasure. Let every man put his trust, not in his fellow, to fear and tremble before his assertions and his masterly spirit, but put his trust in the living God, who gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Then can every man say, “He hath drawn me with the cords of his mercy, in his everlasting love, and this great and merciful God shall be my God forever and ever.” “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” [Psalm 73:25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 65, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 65, 1903, par. 11

One who knew by blessed experience the value of God’s law thus expressed his thanksgiving: “How sweet are Thy words to my taste; yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” “Whom have I in heaven but Thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee?” “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous, and shout for joy, all ye upright in heart.” [Psalm 119:103; 73:25; 32:11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 358, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 358, 1907, par. 7

A man lives unto God when he continually recognizes Him as a present helper. When there is a recognition of the Lord Jesus Christ, there will be a holy fear, lest he shall make mistakes. The soul will be drawn out continually in earnest prayer as he realizes his need. As he draws nigh unto God, God will draw nigh unto him, the love of God will be kindled in his heart, and he will be able to speak the words of God. The language of the heart will then be, “Whom have I in heaven but Thee, and who on earth do I desire beside Thee?” [Psalm 73:25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 15, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 15, 1905, par. 17

You will walk carefully, lest you make crooked paths by which weak, struggling, halting souls shall be led out of the way. You will refuse to co-operate with worldly men to carry out worldly principles. As you realize that you have a work to do for God, the temptations and allurements of the world will not tempt you from the path of equity and uprightness. The whole life will bear the testimony, “Whom have I in heaven but Thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” “O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art God. ... The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup.” [Psalm 73:25, 26; 16:2, 5.] With the eye of faith you will behold the invisible, and the soul will find its strength in the One who never fails. He is the joy of your life.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 37—The Smitten Rock

PP 413.1

The same beautiful and expressive figures are carried throughout the Bible. Centuries before the advent of Christ, Moses pointed to Him as the rock of Israel’s salvation (Deuteronomy 32:15); the psalmist sang of Him as “my Redeemer,” “the rock of my strength,” “the rock that is higher than I,” “a rock of habitation,” “rock of my heart,” “rock of my refuge.” In David’s song His grace is pictured also as the cool, “still waters,” amid green pastures, beside which the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock. Again, “Thou shalt make them,” he says, “drink of the river of Thy pleasures. For with Thee is the fountain of life.” Psalm 19:14; 62:7; 61:2; 71:3 (margin); 73:26 (margin); 94:22; 23:2; 36:8, 9. And the wise man declares, “The wellspring of wisdom [is] as a flowing brook.” Proverbs 18:4. To Jeremiah, Christ is “the fountain of living waters;” to Zechariah, “a fountain opened ... for sin and for uncleanness.” Jeremiah 2:13; Zechariah 13:1.

That I May Know Him

The Living Water, January 18

TMK 24.5

References: Deuteronomy 32:15; Psalm 19:14; 62:7; 61:2; 71:3 (margin); 73:26 (margin); 94:22; 23:2; 36:8, 9; Proverbs 18:4; Jeremiah 2:13; Zechariah 13:1; Isaiah 26:4 (margin); 32:2; 41:17; 44:3; 35:6; 55:1; Revelation 22:1, 17.

The Upward Look

Angel Companions, February 23

UL 68.3

Satanic agencies are ever warring for the mastery over human minds. But the angels of God are constantly at work, strengthening the weak hands and confirming the feeble knees of all who call upon God for help. The promise to every child of God is, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7). The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. Then ask; believe what God has said. He will surely fulfill His word. Say from the heart, “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever” (Psalm 73:26). The victory must be gained day by day. As followers of Christ we are to stand on vantage ground before the world as Christ’s representatives. Let us then engage in this part of the Christian warfare, determinedly overcoming every weakness of character....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 14, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 14, 1899, par. 9

Satanic agencies are ever warring for the mastery over human minds. But the angels of God are constantly at work, strengthening the weak hands and confirming the feeble knees of all who call upon God for help. The promise to every child of God is, “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. Then ask; believe what God has said. He will surely fulfil His Word. Say from the heart, “My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” [Psalm 73:26.] The victory must be gained day by day.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 123, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 123, 1901, par. 3

God alone can lead you to so recognize His mercy, love, and forbearance that you will have the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. This is the gift of God. It is the opening of the heart to receive the Word which is as the leaves of the tree of life. May God fill your heart with His love so that it may be said that you, my sister, have purified your soul by obeying the truth. Believing in Christ and receiving His transforming grace is not guess-work, but a work which causes Christ’s virtues to be reflected in mind and character. When you gain this experience you will say, “I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. The Lord Jesus shall be my portion forever.” [See Psalm 34:8; 73:26.] The power of the cross will move in you the mysterious springs of hope and fear, adoration, and love. Angels are watching and waiting and will witness to the fact that the world has you not. Jesus has found you sitting at His feet to learn from Him, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Henceforth, surrendering your will to the will of Christ, you are drawn into a region where the cross is the central object. The world fades from your view. The glory shining from the threshold of heaven is the all-attractive influence. The riches of the grace of Christ hold you in willing obedience. You delight in the precious blessings of your allegiance. You are only too glad to impart to others the gift you have received.

The Upward Look

Now Is the Time: Arise and Shine, June 6

UL 171.1

It is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works. Psalm 73:28.