“But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all you do.” (Psalm 73:28 CSB)
When life gets difficult, it is quite easy to slip into a negative cycle of thinking, viewing ourselves as victims and our life as a series of bad events. When a tragedy darkens our world and casts a black shadow on our future, it is tempting to become blind to the good in our life.
In moments like that, when I feel my life devoid of any good, struggling to go on through the day, the last words of Psalm 73 breathe fresh hope and help me shift my perspective: “But as for me, God’s presence is my good.”
God’s Presence Is My Good
God’s presence is my good. On one side there is the devastating loss, the uncertain future, the hard days full of overwhelming grief and pain, and the stressful transition to another kind of life – a life that I don’t want nor would I have chosen for myself. And on the other side is God’s presence and this is my good that nothing and nobody can take away from me. God’s presence with me and in me is all that matters. It means that I am loved all the time and for eternity. I can rest, I can stop striving, I can stop worrying, I lack nothing because He is my Shepherd.
God’s presence means comfort and security. By His indwelling, the Holy Spirit comforts us in all our troubles. There is nothing that compares to the comfort of God. In fact, Jesus said blessed are those who mourn because of the comfort they will receive from Him. (Matthew 5:4) God comforts us by the truths in His eternal Word that stands forever and by His promises for a glorious future incomparable to our present troubles. His comforting presence imparts fresh revelation and brings healing to every wound no matter how deep it is.
God’s presence brings joy and peace too. Yes, it is possible to feel simultaneously sorrow and joy, doubt and confidence, anxiety, and peace. This is the paradox of living life in the flesh on this earth. Peace and joy in the Lord are not just fleeting emotions, they are deeply rooted confidence in the goodness and love of God, and His purpose and plan for our lives.
The Blessedness of Trusting in God
The Bible calls everyone who places her or his trust in the Lord blessed. To be blessed is more than being happy, more than being lucky, and more than having all we want. Being blessed means that we are loved and accepted by God and we have His favor. It means that our souls are connected to the Source of Living Water, which makes them thrive in any circumstances. So even when we have the feeling that our flesh and heart are failing, let’s remember that “God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26 CSB)
It is our decision and daily choice to put our trust in God by making Him our refuge. He is our first line of defense, our Helper, Sustainer and Encourager. We walk by faith when we look to Him to provide and share all our concerns and worries trusting that He cares for us.
Look for the Good
When we start to live believing that God’s presence is our good, making Him our refuge, then something wonderful happens. We start to experience and see God’s deeds of goodness and love scattered throughout our day. Our stories of hardship and pain become God’s stories of grace, restoration, and hope. He turns our lives into testimonies of His redemption and fills our heart and mouth with gratitude and praise, so we can tell about all He does.
Let’s resolve to look for the good today. It doesn’t matter how much pain and adversity life throws at us; it doesn’t need to define our lives. Good is right here with us because God will never leave us nor forsake us.
Prayer
Lord, I am tired and discouraged of all adversity and problems coming my way. Today I declare that Your presence is my good. I choose to place my trust in You and make You my refuge. Show Your goodness to me so I can tell about all You do. Amen.
