“My Foot Almost Slipped” – But It Wasn’t David

Janetta Allis

The Psalm Everyone Misquotes

Really Wrote Psalm 73?

Psalm 73 opens with a simple but important line: “A Psalm of Asaph.”

That one sentence clears up a common misunderstanding.

Asaph was not just a name on a page. He was a Levite and a worship leader appointed by King David (1 Chronicles 16:4–7). He helped lead praise in the temple and had a significant spiritual role among God’s people.

Yet even a man called to worship and ministry struggled with real emotions. That’s what makes Psalm 73 so powerful—it is honest, raw, and deeply human.

Asaph’s Honest Struggle

In this Psalm, Asaph admitted something many believers hesitate to admit: he nearly lost his spiritual balance.

He wrote:

“But as for me, 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.” – Psalm 73:2–3

He looked around at the world and saw things that didn’t seem fair:

  • The wicked appeared healthy and strong (v.4)
  • They didn’t seem to have the same struggles as others (v.5)
  • They were proud and arrogant (v.6)
  • They had more than enough (v.7)
  • They spoke against God without fear (vv.8–11)
  • And still, they kept prospering (v.12)

Asaph wrestled with a question many of us have asked at one time or another:

Why do people who ignore God seem to do so well, while those trying to live right often face hardship?

This is not a new question. Others in Scripture asked it too:

  • Jeremiah 12:1 – “Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper?”
  • Job 21:7 – “Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?”
  • Habakkuk 1:13 – “Wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously?”

The Moment Everything Changed

Asaph stayed troubled and confused—until he went back to the place that mattered most.

He said:

“When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.” – Psalm 73:16–17

That was the turning point.

In God’s presence, his perspective shifted. He realized that what appears to be success on earth is often temporary. The wicked may appear to be winning for a season, but God sees the full picture.

Asaph stopped comparing his life to others and remembered who was really holding him:

“Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.” – Psalm 73:23

What We Can Learn from Psalm 73

This Psalm teaches lessons we all need:

  • Even faithful believers can struggle with envy and doubt.
  • Focusing on others will always distort our view of God.
  • True understanding comes when we draw near to Him.
  • Earthly success does not equal God’s approval.
  • God remains faithful, even when life feels confusing.
  • Jesus warned us not to measure life by material gain:

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” – Matthew 16:26

Why This Is Important

Many people assume David wrote every Psalm. That simply isn’t true.

The Psalms are a collection written by different people—David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Moses, Solomon, and others. Knowing that changes how we read them.

It also reminds us to be careful students of Scripture.

The Bible praises the Bereans because they did exactly that:

“They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” – Acts 17:11

A Final Thought

Psalm 73 shows us that even worship leaders and devoted believers have moments when faith feels shaky.

The difference is this: Asaph didn’t run from God—he ran to Him.

When life feels unfair, confusing, or discouraging, the answer is not to walk away from the sanctuary, but to draw closer to it.

So remember:

  • Don’t assume—study.
  • Don’t rely only on what you hear—read for yourself.
  • Don’t compare your life to others—trust God’s perspective.

Trust and verify.