Finding True Goodness in God’s Presence

Psalm 73 (selected verses, NIV):

Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…

When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply until I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny…

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Dear friend, isn’t it comforting to know that even the psalmists—those faithful servants of God—wrestled with the same doubts and temptations we face today? In Psalm 73, Asaph opens his heart so honestly, reminding us that it’s okay to bring our struggles before the Lord. He begins with a beautiful truth: “Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.” Yet, in the very next breath, he confesses how close he came to stumbling. Why? Because he looked around and saw the wicked thriving—healthy, wealthy, carefree—while his own life of faithfulness felt like a burden.

Oh, how relatable this is! We’ve all had moments when we wonder, “Lord, why do those who ignore You seem to have it all, while I’m striving to follow You and facing trials?” Asaph’s envy nearly swept him away, making his steps slippery. But praise God, he didn’t stay there. The turning point came when he entered God’s sanctuary—when he drew near in worship and sought the Lord’s perspective.

There, in the presence of God, everything shifted. Asaph saw the slippery path the wicked were truly on, leading to sudden ruin. Their prosperity was an illusion, fleeting like a dream. And in that holy moment, his heart cried out one of the most beautiful declarations in all Scripture: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you… It is good to be near God.”

Saint Augustine, reflecting on this psalm centuries ago, reminds us of the deeper spiritual battle at play. He saw in Asaph’s struggle the voice of those tempted by temporary things, noting how the wicked’s seeming strength is no firm foundation. But when we turn to God, He guides us gently, holding us by the hand through the confusion, leading us to eternal glory.

Beloved, if you’re feeling that tug of envy or doubt today—perhaps comparing your life to others who seem to prosper without God—take heart. Draw near to Him in prayer, in worship, in His Word. Let the sanctuary of His presence realign your vision. The things of this world fade, but God Himself is our everlasting portion, our strength when our hearts grow faint.

May you echo Asaph’s resolve: Make the Lord your refuge. Rest in His nearness, for truly, it is good—wonderfully, eternally good—to be near God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unchanging goodness. When envy creeps in or doubts cloud our view, draw us into Your sanctuary. Help us desire You above all else. Be the strength of our hearts forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.