Psalm 73: Continually With You

Since things have been “extended” into the next month, and the urge and want to worry and be upset about it all might come up again, I wanted to write about something that I felt could turn on a light and show a different way to respond. The book of Psalms has countless lines about God’s presence being near in the midst of strange and trying circumstances. Today’s One-Year reading from the Psalms is no different. I highlighted a part of the passage that I believe applies perfectly into this situation and any situation that might come up again. This is from Psalm 73:

Nevertheless I am continually with You.

You hold me by my right hand.

You will guide me with Your counsel

And afterward receive me to glory.

Who have I in heaven but You?

And there is none upon the earth that I desire beside You.

My flesh and my heart fail;

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:23–26)

“Nevertheless” means “in spite of”. Whatever was happening in the life of the Psalmist before this, whatever he felt or feared, whatever frustration or blow may have come his way — none of it mattered. It did not matter because he knew that he was with the Lord continually. He was with God in a state of absolute consistency. God held him by his dominant hand, guiding him as a father guides his little boy. God would guide him with wise and perfect counsel all his life, until the end of his earthly life, when he was welcomed into God’s glory.

The Psalmist is fully aware that he may fail, that he may feel fear or face sickness — but there was (and is!) a Person in Heaven who would look past that and look at his heart. He knew God would respond to his worship and loyalty (“There is none upon the earth that I desire beside You”) and provide him strength in his heart, body, mind and spirit. God would be his inheritance and his reward and his provider and protector forever.

Every detail of this passage, every ounce of the hope expressed in these poetic lines of truth and sincere worship, is not just for the Psalmist. Every little bit of it is yours and your family.

NEVERTHELESS you are with Him and He is with you, continually.

He holds you by your right hand.

He will guide you and He will receive You into His Presence, today and in eternity.

He knows your heart, your worship, and your ardent devotion.

You may face fear and sickness, but HE will be your strength, your healing, and your portion forever and ever (and ever!!!)

Don’t forget! All of this will pass, but His hand will never leave yours.