God, it is good for us to be near You.

God, it is good for us to be near You.

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 73:28, NLT- “But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.”     

Asaph, the writer of Psalm 73, wondered out loud why he should keep doing good. He could not understand why the wicked continued to prosper and be healthy while he had pain and affliction. We witness this today in this divided world between good and evil.

Why do the wicked continue to be prosperous while those who attempt to do good suffer? In our flesh and human understanding, it is easy to be envious of the prosperity and lack of consequences of those who are wicked. Just as Asaph said in Psalm 73:3, we can become jealous when we see arrogant and evil people prosper.

As stated in Psalm 73:12, it does seem that the ungodly prosper in this world and they increase in their riches. There is no benefit in wasting time in comparison to others. In fact, in Psalm 73:16, Asaph said that when he tried to understand it, it was just too painful.

However, in the next verse Psalm 73:17 when Asaph entered the sanctuary of God, he finally understood the final destiny of the wicked. He also came to recognize how he had become bitter and grieved for no reason. He came to the realization that it was foolish and ignorant to be concerned with those who are wicked.

We can feel Asaph’s comfort and peace when he entered the sanctuary and God took him by the hand as stated in Psalm 73:23. When we get close to God, take His hand, and only look to Him for guidance, we find peace. When, like Asaph in Psalm 73:25, we desire God over anything offered on this earth, we find the true strength of our heart.

God is the strength of our heart, and He is our refuge. God will judge and take care of the wicked. We only need to take care to keep close to God and rest with Him in His sanctuary.

Yes, it is good for us to be near God, will you enter His sanctuary today?

Today’s Prayer: LORD God, thank You allowing us to draw near to You. Forgive us when we compare and desire the riches of the wicked. Only with You, Father God, do we find Your strength, wisdom and understanding. You are the strength of our hearts LORD, and it is good to be near You. Please guide us into Your sanctuary today. Help us to declare the wonders of Your works. Amen.