The Nearness of God Is Our Good

Note from today’s Bible reading: Psalm 73; 77-78

It can be discouraging when the wicked seem to fare better than we do in this life, despite our efforts to faithfully serve the Lord. However, God is still worthy of the trust we have placed in Him.

Notice what the psalmist wrote: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth” (Psalm 73:25). The things we think we are missing out on in life are not to be our priority – serving God is.

He continued: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26). Anything that the wicked gain in this life is only temporary. The inheritance we have from God is for eternity.

Finally, the psalmist said, “For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works” (Psalm 73:27-28). In contrasting the righteous and the wicked, the psalmist acknowledged that the wicked had no hope. Eventually, the justice of God would be carried out. Yet those who stay close to God will be preserved.

So remember that the nearness of God is our good. The things of this life are only temporary and are ultimately futile. Let us strive to stay close to God, faithfully serve Him, and look forward to the eternal reward with Him in heaven.