“Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.”
“Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73, ESV
Be honest–how close do you want God to be? How near is near enough? It fascinates me, but the promise from Psalm 73 is for a continuous presence. There is no flickering, no jumping about. He is steady. He does not flit or fluctuate or change His mind.
He is always and forever aware of you.
He graciously provides unwavering guidance, free of charge. In the labyrinth of life, where challenges abound, His wisdom serves as a compass, directing us towards real purpose. Embracing His guidance, we discover that our navigation through perplexing days becomes remarkably smoother. By acknowledging His constant presence and we can finally open our hearts to His voice.
He is not far away.
Perhaps this psalm is your ‘umbilical cord’ that’s attached to heavenly places. In Psalm 27:25, a profound realization is articulated:
“There is no one in heaven but you, and there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.”
Psalm 71 feeds us and gives us a radical strength to stand up and be authentic. The writer is completely over with the things of this earth. He desires only heavenly things, that which comes from looking at eternity.
And yet we often lament our spiritual feebleness and feel unable to change despite all our efforts. We can be filled in the morning, and suddenly be empty in the afternoon. Our hearts are like a leaky pail, unable to retain the grace and mercy that the Holy Spirit pumps out on us.
We are leaky buckets. We must stay under God’s spout. He promises us that the water will always come. He never stops pouring out.
“For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.”
“But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.”
Psalm 73, ESV
God draws a person, but coming close is your choice.
The Psalmist beautifully expresses the profound realization that being close to God brings immense goodness. David understands the value of seeking refuge in God, finding comfort and protection in His loving presence. It requires genuine effort and commitment to make God our safe haven, like a reliable shelter for our souls.
“…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.“
Philippians 2:12
Moreover, the Psalmist embraces the responsibility of sharing these incredible works of God, recognizing the importance of spreading His love and miracles with others.
The believer is equipping himself to witness to others.
Broken Believers 