Day 13&14, Psalms 73-89: God's dealings with men

Very interesting reading the story of Asaph and some of these other authors in the links. I have read through the Psalms many times before, but never really considered Asaph as more than just one of David's musicians when he was king.

Particularly in Asaph's Psalms (73-83), there seems to be a lot of emphasis put on God acting concerning men. There are three groups in view: the righteous, whose heart yearns for God and for the people to return to worshipping God; the wicked, for whom judgement waits; the people of Israel/people of God, with whom God is longsuferring and patient.

Let us start with considering the wicked. Having recently read through Job, I was reminded of some of the themes present in that book where Job comes to the realisation that the wicked don't meet immediate punishment, but rather live in luxury and wealth.
"Psa 73:12  Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches."
The psalmist wrestles with this, wondering what the point of behaving righteous if the wicked are still blessed in this world - before thinking more on the topic, and he realises that God is still in control of their end:
"Psa 73:16-17  But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,  (17)  until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end."
I enjoyed seeing the honesty of the psalmist come out, realising that it was his own bitterness in his calamity that prevented him from seeing God for Who He was, and all he does - once he changed his focus, his passion arises in the next two psalms in righteous anger against those who act against God, calling for God to act against the wicked, and leading into a quiet confidence and thankfulness in God and His judgement.

The righteous man (often expressed in the first person) alternates between expressing strong emotions and remembering that the Lord has everything in hand. He is passionate about reminding people of all God has done, that they might turn back to Him. He is overwhelmed with God's power and majesty, praising the Lord continually, and seeking Him when troubles come. When God seems furthest away, he simply remembers all that God has done and that answers all his questions.
"Psa 77:11-12  I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.  (12)  I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."

"Psa 86:11-13  Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.  (12)  I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.  (13)  For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol."

The people of Israel are an interesting case. In many ways they act like the wicked, but because of God's special relationship with them, He chooses to show them mercy and love that they might be a testimony to the nations around for all generations. Instead, they go in these cycles of rejecting God, finding themselves in troubles, calling for God, God answering them by removing the trouble, and they turn back to Him for a short time (maybe one generation) before rejecting Him again. We see this story from a variety of perspectives (read in light of knowledge about Exodus-Judges) - in Psalm 78 we see the story related, emphasising the patience of God, in Psalms 79 and 80 we see the psalmist pleading on behalf of a suffering nation,  and then in Psalms 81-82 we see God's view of His people - He admonishes them and calls them to live in obedience that He might bless them. The theme is continued in Psalm 85 by another psalmist, pleading for restoration and praising God for His faithfulness.
"Psa 85:8-9  Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.  (9)  Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land."

Finally, I appreciated the pairing of songs of love on either side of a song of despair - Psalm 88 is the prayer of one that trusts in the Lord but God seems so far away in his troubles - but this is paired between two beautiful psalms (86 & 89) that focus on the love, mercy and grace of God. It is also paired between psalms that sing of the glory and power of God (87, and again 89). It is quite possible that this was a deliberate arrangement in the book, that the people would sing the psalms in order and be reminded on either side of God's love, grace, mercy, glory, and power. It certainly is encouraging to me!