Reading the Psalms brings much comfort, peace, and/or inspiration. I love how the psalmists expose the heart of God and often recall their response to Him. I love how so many of the Psalms speak, write, and/or trumpet the greatness of God through their poetic melodies. Their words flow through their spirit, from the heart of God, and into our hearts – encouragement, warning, joy, worship, instruction, and so much more!

Let's look at the last portion of Psalm 73 ...

Such a beautiful picture of so many of our lives. Things go wrong. Prayers aren't answered the way we want. We received a difficult diagnosis. Marriage disappointments. Family problems. So many circumstances in life impact our response to God. Much like the psalmist, we may become "like a beast toward you [YHWH]."

The good news is that the unfailing hand of our God is right there to guide us with His counsel [His Word]. We're not left hanging or cut off, even when our attitudes are brutish. He never leaves our side – He never lets go.

Finally, the psalmist says, "But it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works."

We all struggle. We all have moments (or days, weeks, or longer) when we feel like God has turned His back on us. There are times when we are tempted to give up when times of adversity fall on us. But, once we realize that God hasn't left us, we can make the last words of this psalm our own: "But it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works."

Prayer

Father, it is good for me to be near You. Give me strength to endure adversity, for I have made You my refuge. Amen.

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© 2026 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

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