The psalmist wrote, “But as for me, it is good to be near God.” (Psalm 73:28) Have you ever thought about what is best for you? You probably have. If you are like me, you have probably thought:
It would be good if I had a million dollars.
It would be good if I could have a second home in Florida to escape the cold (I live in Indiana).
It would be good if my children obeyed.
It would be good if my problems would go away.
It would be good if I were more attractive.
But the psalmist doesn’t say any of that! Instead, he says that what is good for him is to be “near God.” I wonder why? Perhaps he knew that when a person is near to God, they can experience rest and receive guidance and strength. Here’s what you can expect when you draw near to God.
1. When you are near God, you experience rest of soul.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 28:11-30
When we walk closely with God, He pulls the load. When God is close to us and we are depending upon Him, we can be assured that we are never acting alone. He does not promise that our problems will go away or that we will become financially wealthy; however, He does promise that our souls will find rest in the power and greatness of God
2. When you are near to God, you receive guidance.
Again, Jesus said, “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” John 10:3, 4
God intends that you should hear His voice. In fact, hearing His voice is the only way you could follow Jesus. As it turns out, God is very chatty. He has lots to say to you if you would only take the time to listen. When you decide to be near to him, you will, in fact, receive guidance for your life.
The psalmist cried out, “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:4,5). For those who walk closely with God, divine guidance is available.
3. When you are near to God, you receive strength.
King David wrote, “The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.” (Psalm 28:8) The truth is that you need strength for this life. You may be raising children or working a stressful job, or both! You have a home to keep clean and organized, relationships to maintain, bills to be paid, laundry that needs to be washed and folded, and food shopping that needs to be done. Life can wear you out!
When you are living near to God, there is divine strength available to you– not just for everyday life, but also for the soul issues like extending forgiveness, showing kindness, and serving others. This strength comes from God. The prophet Isaiah wrote,
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31
He gives rest, guidance, and strength. Not sure if you are convinced, but I agree with the psalmist…it is good to be near God!
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