The Purpose and Power of Worship: A Song in Confusion

What do you do when the right thing feels pointless?

In this message, KJ Scriven—worship leader, Bible teacher, and host of Strengthen Your Walk™—walks through one of Scripture’s most honest prayers: Psalm 73. Asaph’s words give voice to confusion, envy, frustration, and the ache of wondering why the wicked seem to prosper while faithfulness feels costly.

If you have ever questioned whether your obedience matters, Psalm 73 offers a steady biblical anchor: God’s presence is your good.

Hey everybody, I’m KJ Scriven and welcome to Strengthen Your Walk™.

Why Did God Give Us the Gift of Worship Through Song?

We’re continuing our conversation around worship and specifically what we’re talking about is worship through song. We know that all of life is worship, but we’re talking about why did God give us this gift of worship through song? And we’re walking through the Psalms and we’ve been talking about how the Psalms cover a variety of different subjects. They’re not just songs of praise, but God wants us to bring all of our emotions and all of our feelings to Him.

Watch The Purpose and Power of Worship with KJ Scriven

What Is Psalm 73 About? Asaph’s Honest Cry to God

Today, I want to go through Psalm 73, which is a song that’s actually written by Asaph. And in this Psalm, you may be familiar with this feeling of having a feeling sometimes of where you’re trying your best to be faithful to God and do things His way. And it feels like sometimes it’s not an advantage to you to do things the right way.

And so, what did you do when you’re in a season of confusion or if you’re in a season of frustration where it feels like doing the right thing doesn’t always give you immediate benefits in the moment. This psalmist understands that feeling. And God is saying, “Hey, bring that emotion and that feeling to Me as well.”

Watch this. Asaph says this, verse 1 in 73, and it’s a lot of verses, so I’m going to read a couple then I’ll skip through and read a couple of more. Verse 1, he says, “God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart. But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray for I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well-fed. They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people. Therefore, pride is their necklace and violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imagination of their hearts run wild. They mock and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten opposition. They set their mouths against heaven and their tongues strut across the earth. Therefore, his people turn to him and drink their overflowing words.”

“The wicked say, ‘How can God know? Does the Most High know everything?’ Look at them, the wicked! They are always at ease and they increase in their wealth.”

“Did I Purify My Heart for Nothing?” When Faithfulness Feels Unrewarded

Watch this right here. He says, “Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?” Have you ever felt that way? Have you felt like, “God, I’m trying to do the right thing. I’m trying to live a life of devotion to You. But did I do that for nothing? It seems like people who are wicked it seems like they’re benefiting. It seems like they’re flourishing. It doesn’t seem like I’m flourishing right now, even when I’m doing the right thing.”

The psalmist brings that same emotion to God. He says, even says, “For I’m afflicted all day long and punished every morning. If I decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed your people.”

The Turning Point: What Changes When We Enter God’s Sanctuary

But then he goes on and says this. He says this, “Until I entered God’s sanctuary.” And then he goes on and says in verse 21, “When I became embittered in my innermost being, was wounded, I was stupid and I didn’t understand. I was an unthinking animal towards you. Yet I am always with you.”

The Power of Worship: Finding Joy in God’s Presence, Not Circumstances

And then he goes on in verse 28 to say, “But as for me, God’s presence is my good.” And so, you might be in that same space where you don’t know like what is going on. God is not afraid of those emotions. But the psalmist understands here that joy and contentment does not come from outer things. But it actually comes from being in God’s presence and knowing the Lord. This is the power of worship. This is the greatest space of life that you can be in when you worship the Lord. God’s presence is your good. Thank you for joining us for Strengthen Your Walk™.

Psalm 73 reminds us that confusion, envy, and doubt do not disqualify us from worship. They can become invitations to bring our whole hearts before God.

Asaph did not have every answer, but he found the answer that steadied his soul: nearness to God is the greatest good in every season.

If doing the right thing feels costly right now, bring that honestly before the Lord. Worship through song gives us space to remember what is true, even when life feels unclear: God is near, and His presence is enough.

Continue the conversation with KJ Scriven in the full The Purpose and Power of Worship series and keep strengthening your walk—one step at a time.