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Sermons on the Psalms
Faith on Trial: Psalm 73
Why do good people suffer unjustly and yet others get away with it? The Psalmist, Asaph, dealt with this very problem in Psalm 73 one that has often perplexed and discouraged God's people. Asaph reveals his own noholdsbarred feelings and leads us step by step from neardespair to final assurance. For this reason it has always appealed to preachers and counselors. An excellent book for those struggling with or wondering about, injustice in the world.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1965
15 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
344 books587 followersDavid Martyn Lloyd-Jones was a Welsh Protestant minister, preacher and medical doctor who was influential in the Reformed wing of the British evangelical movement in the 20th century. For almost 30 years, he was the minister of Westminster Chapel in London. Lloyd-Jones was strongly opposed to Liberal Christianity, which had become a part of many Christian denominations; he regarded it as aberrant. He disagreed with the broad church approach and encouraged evangelical Christians (particularly Anglicans) to leave their existing denominations. He believed that true Christian fellowship was possible only amongst those who shared common convictions regarding the nature of the faith.
David Martyn Lloyd-Jones was married to Bethan Lloyd-Jones
Books about D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: https://www.goodreads.com/characters/...
David Martyn Lloyd-Jones was married to Bethan Lloyd-Jones
Books about D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: https://www.goodreads.com/characters/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 28, 2015
[Allow me state my conclusion in the opening as the psalmist does in his opening of chapter 73]
As always, I enjoy reading the insights and conclusions of "The Doctor" (Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones) and highly recommend this book.
In this short book Dr. Lloyd-Jones camps out in the 73RD Psalm and walks with the psalmist from his self-pity and doubts regarding God's love for him (as the wicked prosper) to the glorious conclusion that, although the wicked continue to prosper, God is my God!
Read and rejoice with the psalmist if the Lord and God of the universe is yours to claim:
'Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction... Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand... Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You... it is good for me to draw near to God...' (vv17, 18, 23, 25 and 28a).
I encourage you to read this book. The insight into this Psalm will be rewarding.
As always, I enjoy reading the insights and conclusions of "The Doctor" (Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones) and highly recommend this book.
In this short book Dr. Lloyd-Jones camps out in the 73RD Psalm and walks with the psalmist from his self-pity and doubts regarding God's love for him (as the wicked prosper) to the glorious conclusion that, although the wicked continue to prosper, God is my God!
Read and rejoice with the psalmist if the Lord and God of the universe is yours to claim:
'Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction... Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand... Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You... it is good for me to draw near to God...' (vv17, 18, 23, 25 and 28a).
I encourage you to read this book. The insight into this Psalm will be rewarding.
July 22, 2013
No book apart from the Bible itself has provided me more insight on the character of God, His perfect love and care for His children, and how I can learn to align my thinking with His when I go through difficulties. This truly is a life altering book.
November 1, 2025
“I am going to keep near to God in order that I may glorify Him as well as enjoy Him. He is the great Lord God Almighty, and the tragedy of man and the tragedy of the world and of history is that the world does not know that. But my business is to tell people about Him. I will do so in my life, I will do so with my lips. The whole of my life shall be to the glory of God; and I cannot glorify God unless I am near to Him and experiencing Him. But as I do so I shall reflect His life.”
March 17, 2020
Clarity and precision leading to hope, comfort, and conviction. Another keeper by the doctor.
In light of all that's unfolding with COVID-19, how appropriate is this section from the final chapter:
"The best of us are changeable creatures. And there is nothing so characteristic of our world as its instability and uncertainty.? Is there anything more wonderful than to know that, at any moment we can enter into the presence of One who is everlastingly the same, 'the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning?' Whatever may be happening around us, whatever may be happening inside us, we can to to One who is always the same, the same in His might, His majesty, His glory, His love, His mercy, His compassion, and the same in all that He has promised! Do you not understand this man now ' I do not care about others' he says; 'but, as for me, nearness to God is good for me.' Let us think more about God. Let us meditate upon Him; let us turn our minds and our hearts toward Him. Let us realize that in Christ He offers us His fellowship, His companionship, and that constantly and always."
In light of all that's unfolding with COVID-19, how appropriate is this section from the final chapter:
"The best of us are changeable creatures. And there is nothing so characteristic of our world as its instability and uncertainty.? Is there anything more wonderful than to know that, at any moment we can enter into the presence of One who is everlastingly the same, 'the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning?' Whatever may be happening around us, whatever may be happening inside us, we can to to One who is always the same, the same in His might, His majesty, His glory, His love, His mercy, His compassion, and the same in all that He has promised! Do you not understand this man now ' I do not care about others' he says; 'but, as for me, nearness to God is good for me.' Let us think more about God. Let us meditate upon Him; let us turn our minds and our hearts toward Him. Let us realize that in Christ He offers us His fellowship, His companionship, and that constantly and always."
April 8, 2024
This is spiritual meat!
I have been humbled after listening to this sermon!
Amen and Amen
I have been humbled after listening to this sermon!
Amen and Amen
June 22, 2025
Excellent!
May 31, 2013
Excellent! The one chapter, "Spiritual Allergy" was absolutely incredible. Great insight that we have come to expect when we pick up a book by Lloyd-Jones.
April 21, 2016
Excellent! Highly recommend this book! Chapter #10 "The Rock of Ages" was my favorite.
August 11, 2023
Faith on Trial: Psalm 73 by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is a 1965 publication- reissued in 2011.
I don’t typically read non-fiction Christian material because these days, especially, I seldom come across any that are as theologically sound as I would like. On occasion, though, I will read one that is recommended to me by a trustworthy source. In this case, the source couldn’t be any more reliable, as my own dad came across this book in his massive collection while looking for a different book by this author. As a person who has always loved Psalms and found them to be comforting, uplifting and inspirational, he thought I might enjoy this book.
In Psalm 73, we find David, who God called a ‘man after my own heart’, going through a crisis of faith. Yes, even David went through periods of doubt and depression. At the beginning of the Psalm, he makes the startling confession that he came very near to losing his faith, he was close to stumbling. But as he continues, he shares with us how he slowly clawed his way back up from the pit he’d nearly fallen into, and by the end of the psalm his heart is once more filled with joy having concluded that he alone caused this dilemma, and that God is good!
Yes, a comeback story- one we can all relate to. The psychology here, for lack of a better word, is so solid and practical, one can apply it to all areas of life- any problem that you have, big or small, can be approached in the way David did. Usually, we dig ourselves a hole, like David did, and then whine about the unfairness of it all, when most of the time it’s a case of blowing things out of all proportion, of not realizing what the basis of the problem is and allowing the world to control us. Once David took his eyes off God, he began to experience problems, problems he was able to slowly overcome by applying basic Christian principles, self-examination, and logic.
Overall, this was a very interesting analysis of Psalm 73. If you are experiencing a spiritual crisis, or have fallen away from your faith, this book shows how David overcame his depression, and his experience can help you, too. But the author also shares how to avoid falling into that trap in the first place in the last chapter of the book, which is very sound advice.
As always, this psalm is inspirational and uplifting- especially when we find ourselves feeling out of sorts, going through a rough spell, and asking ‘why me’? The psalm offers hope, comfort, and peace and gives one a solid step by step plan to once again find balance, and joy in our lives.
4.5 stars
I don’t typically read non-fiction Christian material because these days, especially, I seldom come across any that are as theologically sound as I would like. On occasion, though, I will read one that is recommended to me by a trustworthy source. In this case, the source couldn’t be any more reliable, as my own dad came across this book in his massive collection while looking for a different book by this author. As a person who has always loved Psalms and found them to be comforting, uplifting and inspirational, he thought I might enjoy this book.
In Psalm 73, we find David, who God called a ‘man after my own heart’, going through a crisis of faith. Yes, even David went through periods of doubt and depression. At the beginning of the Psalm, he makes the startling confession that he came very near to losing his faith, he was close to stumbling. But as he continues, he shares with us how he slowly clawed his way back up from the pit he’d nearly fallen into, and by the end of the psalm his heart is once more filled with joy having concluded that he alone caused this dilemma, and that God is good!
Yes, a comeback story- one we can all relate to. The psychology here, for lack of a better word, is so solid and practical, one can apply it to all areas of life- any problem that you have, big or small, can be approached in the way David did. Usually, we dig ourselves a hole, like David did, and then whine about the unfairness of it all, when most of the time it’s a case of blowing things out of all proportion, of not realizing what the basis of the problem is and allowing the world to control us. Once David took his eyes off God, he began to experience problems, problems he was able to slowly overcome by applying basic Christian principles, self-examination, and logic.
Overall, this was a very interesting analysis of Psalm 73. If you are experiencing a spiritual crisis, or have fallen away from your faith, this book shows how David overcame his depression, and his experience can help you, too. But the author also shares how to avoid falling into that trap in the first place in the last chapter of the book, which is very sound advice.
As always, this psalm is inspirational and uplifting- especially when we find ourselves feeling out of sorts, going through a rough spell, and asking ‘why me’? The psalm offers hope, comfort, and peace and gives one a solid step by step plan to once again find balance, and joy in our lives.
4.5 stars
November 12, 2018
I could write a long review but it would fall short. The Doctor’s exposition of Psalm 73 is one of the best books I’ve read. Perhaps it’s simply because of the deep and long trial I’ve been in with a chronically ill wife. Yet I think it’s simply because his teaching is just solid biblical truth worked out by the means of preaching. Do you want to live the joyful Christian life, the sure and steady confident life that Christ promises? Then read this book. Chew on its truth. I am deeply indebted to MLJ for his impact on my life. This book is yet another nail the Lord has used to anchor me to Him.
August 15, 2022
A good book but not one of the doctor's best, mainly because I felt he quickly jumped to a modern analysis and application of the book without discerning the Psalm in it's original setting and context in the canon. In places I asked the question, is this really what the original author tried to convey? For example, he devotes an entire chapter to the doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints. Yet the Psalmist doesn't have that more developed reformation view. But, for the most part, the shining message of the Psalmist comes through in this book. Lloyd-Jones is best when he is expositing an entire book as he does in Romans, Ephesians, John and Acts.
July 28, 2019
MLJ’s writings have probably made more of a permanent impression on me than any other author. I walk away from reading a book like this one and understand a little better what Paul means in Romans 12 when he says we can be transformed by the renewal of our minds. This book helped walk me through a difficult season, challenging me to perceive and think differently about my circumstances, warning me of the dangers that are inherent in trials, and of course bringing tremendous comfort as I was reminded of the permanency of Gods love.
May 6, 2017
This is my second time reading the book. It is really a meditation on Psalm 73 that deals with more spiritual truths than just the struggle of understanding present prosperity of wicked people. If you are not drawn in by the first few chapters keep reading. It really crescendoes to the end. There are certain chapters that I will probably return to myself or direct others to even if I or they do not read the whole book. This is classic MLJ "logic on fire" for the good of your soul.
September 22, 2017
If memory serves, this is the first book I read by Martin Lloyd-Jones and it is a great one. It's a book of his sermons on Psalms 73 and goes deep into the question of why those who don't love Jesus seem to often sail through life without a worry in the world and those who do love Jesus seem to hit difficulty after difficulty. We discover that this is an age old question and one which the author of Psalm 73 takes up. Well worth your time.
March 1, 2024
Faith on Trial: Studies in Psalm 73 ~ D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Martyn Lloyd-Jones is an amazing expositor of the Bible and this book did not disappoint. This book expounds the meaning of Psalm 73 and is a great message of encouragement to anyone who is backsliding or feels far from God. Great book by a great preacher 🙏 definitely recommend anything this man has written.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Martyn Lloyd-Jones is an amazing expositor of the Bible and this book did not disappoint. This book expounds the meaning of Psalm 73 and is a great message of encouragement to anyone who is backsliding or feels far from God. Great book by a great preacher 🙏 definitely recommend anything this man has written.
November 6, 2017
Read this book slowly and was able to glean much from Psalm 73 as a result. Great read whether you are currently feeling perplexed by the “prosperity” of the wicked or want to understand a great psalm better.
September 16, 2018
Inspiring
January 10, 2019
A great book, from a great man!
April 10, 2019
One of Lloyd-Jones’ best. Really helpful if you need to get better at speaking truth to yourself when life is hard.
December 10, 2019
I loved every page of it, such an insightful and beautifully written book!
November 19, 2020
Reading this was a real tonic and a pleasure.
July 10, 2023
The best
May 20, 2012
Psalm 73
Truly God is good to (B)Israel,
to those who are (C)pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped.
3 (D)For I was (E)envious of the arrogant
when I saw the (F)prosperity of the wicked.
4 For they have no pangs until death;
their bodies are fat and sleek.
5 They are not in trouble as others are;
they are not (G)stricken like the rest of mankind.
6 Therefore pride is (H)their necklace;
violence covers them as (I)a garment.
7 Their (J)eyes swell out through fatness;
their hearts overflow with follies.
8 They scoff and (K)speak with malice;
loftily they threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against the heavens,
and their tongue struts through the earth.
10 Therefore his people turn back to them,
and find (L)no fault in them.[a]
11 And they say, (M)“How can God know?
Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12 Behold, these are the wicked;
always at ease, they (N)increase in riches.
13 All in vain have I (O)kept my heart clean
and (P)washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all the day long I have been (Q)stricken
and (R)rebuked (S)every morning.
15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
I would have betrayed (T)the generation of your children.
16 But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me (U)a wearisome task,
17 until I went into (V)the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their (W)end.
18 Truly you set them in (X)slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin.
19 How they are destroyed (Y)in a moment,
swept away utterly by (Z)terrors!
20 Like (AA)a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when (AB)you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.
21 When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
22 I was (AC)brutish and ignorant;
I was like (AD)a beast toward you.
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you (AE)hold my right hand.
24 You (AF)guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will (AG)receive me to glory.
25 (AH)Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 (AI)My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is (AJ)the strength[b] of my heart and my (AK)portion (AL)forever.
27 For behold, those who are (AM)far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is (AN)unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to (AO)be near God;
I have made the Lord God my (AP)refuge,
that I may (AQ)tell of all your works
a very conversational look at Psalm 73. I think Mr. Lloyd-Jones will become one of my favorite authors. Here Psalmist has a perplexity of those of the wicked and he himself has been on the fence. Thus this has lead him to temptation his mind away from the Lord. He comes to his senses and reasons with the Lord. He is your typical back-slider that realizes the nearness of the Lord keeps him on solid ground. With the nearness of the Lord, thru prayer, bible reading and fellowship with other believers, we too can see things not in our own understanding, but in light of who God is and his sovereignity.
Truly God is good to (B)Israel,
to those who are (C)pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped.
3 (D)For I was (E)envious of the arrogant
when I saw the (F)prosperity of the wicked.
4 For they have no pangs until death;
their bodies are fat and sleek.
5 They are not in trouble as others are;
they are not (G)stricken like the rest of mankind.
6 Therefore pride is (H)their necklace;
violence covers them as (I)a garment.
7 Their (J)eyes swell out through fatness;
their hearts overflow with follies.
8 They scoff and (K)speak with malice;
loftily they threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against the heavens,
and their tongue struts through the earth.
10 Therefore his people turn back to them,
and find (L)no fault in them.[a]
11 And they say, (M)“How can God know?
Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12 Behold, these are the wicked;
always at ease, they (N)increase in riches.
13 All in vain have I (O)kept my heart clean
and (P)washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all the day long I have been (Q)stricken
and (R)rebuked (S)every morning.
15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
I would have betrayed (T)the generation of your children.
16 But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me (U)a wearisome task,
17 until I went into (V)the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their (W)end.
18 Truly you set them in (X)slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin.
19 How they are destroyed (Y)in a moment,
swept away utterly by (Z)terrors!
20 Like (AA)a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when (AB)you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.
21 When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
22 I was (AC)brutish and ignorant;
I was like (AD)a beast toward you.
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you (AE)hold my right hand.
24 You (AF)guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will (AG)receive me to glory.
25 (AH)Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 (AI)My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is (AJ)the strength[b] of my heart and my (AK)portion (AL)forever.
27 For behold, those who are (AM)far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is (AN)unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to (AO)be near God;
I have made the Lord God my (AP)refuge,
that I may (AQ)tell of all your works
a very conversational look at Psalm 73. I think Mr. Lloyd-Jones will become one of my favorite authors. Here Psalmist has a perplexity of those of the wicked and he himself has been on the fence. Thus this has lead him to temptation his mind away from the Lord. He comes to his senses and reasons with the Lord. He is your typical back-slider that realizes the nearness of the Lord keeps him on solid ground. With the nearness of the Lord, thru prayer, bible reading and fellowship with other believers, we too can see things not in our own understanding, but in light of who God is and his sovereignity.
September 6, 2010
I read this for a second time today, not in the latest edition but an early edition from 1965. Coming to the tail end of 7 weeks of an infected tooth and 4 courses of anti-biotics, I looked around for something in my library on pain and suffereing.
I cannot praise this book and the wisdom of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones enough. He has an amazing and very practical way of opening up the wisdom of the Bible and applying it to our lives today.
Psalm 73 deals with the perplexity of the godly man who is tempted to the prosperity and painless existence of the man of the world. Fortunately, the Psalmist writes honestly and openly about the process of his envy and its solution. Part of the problem is that we usually are led around by our feelings rather than clear rational thinking. We fail to see the whole picture. We are superficial in our evaluations. We fail to look long term.
For example, Jones points to Charles Darwin, who at the end of his life confessed that because of focusing on one aspect of life, he lot the power to enjoy poetry, music, and to a large extent even the power to appreciate nature itself. The non-Christian view of the world leads ultimately to hopelessness. The one who understands and believes the principles of Scripture and thinks not only clearly and rationally but spiritually rises above temporaary troubles.
I could quote dozens of enlightening principles from this book, but instead let me encourage you to read for yourself.
I cannot praise this book and the wisdom of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones enough. He has an amazing and very practical way of opening up the wisdom of the Bible and applying it to our lives today.
Psalm 73 deals with the perplexity of the godly man who is tempted to the prosperity and painless existence of the man of the world. Fortunately, the Psalmist writes honestly and openly about the process of his envy and its solution. Part of the problem is that we usually are led around by our feelings rather than clear rational thinking. We fail to see the whole picture. We are superficial in our evaluations. We fail to look long term.
For example, Jones points to Charles Darwin, who at the end of his life confessed that because of focusing on one aspect of life, he lot the power to enjoy poetry, music, and to a large extent even the power to appreciate nature itself. The non-Christian view of the world leads ultimately to hopelessness. The one who understands and believes the principles of Scripture and thinks not only clearly and rationally but spiritually rises above temporaary troubles.
I could quote dozens of enlightening principles from this book, but instead let me encourage you to read for yourself.
March 1, 2023
A very thorough, logical exposition of Psalm 73 and the various spiritual issues it raises. I think that what will stay with me most is the way readers' attitudes are unexpectedly challenged and questions turned on their head right throughout, urging readers to really think, and approach God rightly. So what I predicted would generally bolster my faith and make sense of suffering, in fact turned out to be more a call to practice God's presence, to 'really bask in the sunshine of His face and enjoy blessed fellowship with Him.' If you can overlook the typos of the CH edition (about ten in total - so a very, very minor quibble!), I would heartily recommend this to you, where ever your faith may lie and however strong, or weak, it may be.
January 22, 2014
Pastoral, thought-provoking, and spiritually edifying. Reading Lloyd-Jones on anything is being drawn into an inner dialog about God and truth. He says we are to speak to ourselves more and reading his writing compels one to do just that. Have you ever read a book by Lloyd-Jones? You need to. My first was Preaching and Preachers. My second was "The Assurance of Salvation" which is his exposition of John 17. It had been a while since I read a MLJ volume, but doing so has made me decide I will endeavor to read one of his books yearly. Did I mention you should read a MLJ book? This one would be a good place to start!
December 30, 2013
The author of the 73rd psalm wondered why the godless seemingly prospered while those faithful to God were prone to suffer. This apparent imbalance led him to search out an answer, one that remains invaluable, as many today struggle with a similar observation. Lloyd-Jones is characteristically biblical and thorough; often highly repetitive. Truly, the major premises of the book could have been distilled, yet there is something quite helpful about the steady echo of timeless truth.
March 28, 2012
Classic Lloyd-Jones thoroughly and wisely expounding psalm 73. Learning the importance of "finding a foothold to start climbing" that the psalmist exemplifies is reason enough to read the book. And the meditation on "nevertheless I am continually with Thee" is so humbling. If there is any hesitation in your mind when you say "Truly God is good to Israel," this book is for you.
September 3, 2013
Excellent read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews