Who was Asaph of the Psalms?

In our online Bible study last night, we began to dig into the themes of Book 3: Psalms 73-89. 

This third volume of praise and prayer consists of only 17 psalms, 11 of which are penned by Asaph.

So I thought, who is Asaph? What's his story? 

Asaph is mentioned a few times in 1 and 2 Chronicles, from where we learn a few things:

• Asaph's name means "gatherer" in Hebrew 
• Asaph was a Levite, appointed by David when the Ark was brought into Jerusalem
• Asaph was a singer and a musician with the assignment to "raise the voice with resounding joy" 
• Asaph's assignment grew to Chief Musician, prophetic worshiper in David's army, and seer
• Asaph's sons continued in his legacy 

(References: I Chronicles 15:16-19, I Chronicles 16:4-5,7, I Chronicles 25:1-2,6-7, and II Chronicles 29:30) 

Yet, the high calling and successful ministry did not make Asaph exempt from feeling weak, confused, going through trials, or questioning his life's choices!

In fact, Book 3 of The Psalms is considered the "darkest volume" of the Psalms because many of these songs describe struggles with doubt, unbelief, oppression, and rebellion.

BUT GOD SHOWS UP POWERFULLY. 

The psalmist overcomes each struggle and temptation with a better understanding of God, after surrendering in prayer and song.

Now that we know more about Asaph, we could truly relate to the emotional state of mind that Asaph found himself in when he wrote Psalm 73.

In Psalm 73, Asaph admits that he "almost slipped" because he allowed his thoughts to be plagued by a spirit of envy regarding the ungodly.

Especially as a worship leader and ministry leader, I can relate to Asaph!

Asaph was tempted with thoughts that we often experience too: 

"I'm doing all of this for you, LORD, and why am I still struggling?"

"Those people don't even do things right in your sight and they seem to be prospering!"

"Is all of my sacrificing even worth it?" 

Thankfully, God did not leave Asaph alone to these tormenting thoughts. 

After a divine appointment with the presence of the LORD, Asaph was delivered from the lies he allowed to creep in and Asaph was reminded that truly it is GOOD to draw near to God.

"My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:26 

Now, there were so many powerful details that we discussed last night as we took time to relate to Asaph's process. 

*If you missed our online Bible study Zoom on Monday night, keep reading for how to get caught up!*

Did you miss Monday night's online Bible study?

• Register here to gain access to our online Bible study Zoom link, weekly PDF downloads, and reminder emails.
• Join me on Wednesday for the LUNCHTIME LIVE online Bible study recap at 12pm ET on Facebook or Instagram!

Do you have a login to our online learning portal?

All PDFs are now loaded to Soul of Worship Ministry's THE WORKSHOP! The Workshop is our online learning portal that holds all available resources for all online Bible study series we've ever done. Once you create a login, you are free to use any of the online Bible study materials for your own personal study or to use for leading others in small group Bible studies.

Also, by Thursday of every week, the Lunchtime LIVE recap video is also loaded into The Workshop! The goal is to have all online Bible study resources readily available in one place.

Want to learn more about the power of worship & praise?

The Worship: Are You Making a Sound? Book is an incredible Bible study resource to go really deep into the Word of God to understand the power we have in our sound as children of God. Grab a copy of the book here or enroll in our self-guided, video e-course, available now!

Keep on praising,

Sara-Marie & the Soul of Worship Ministry Team