Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” — Psalm 73:28 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

Psalm 73, written by Asaph, walks a path that many believers know all too well. It begins with a struggle—one that feels uncomfortably honest. Asaph looks around and sees the prosperity of the wicked. They seem carefree, well-fed, unbothered, and even arrogant. They live as though they are their own god, oppressing others without consequence. Meanwhile, those who seek to follow God often face hardship and difficulty.

And Asaph admits it: he was envious. His heart was drifting. He was beginning to question whether following God was even worth it. That’s what happens when our focus shifts. When we look around instead of looking up, confusion grows. Bitterness can creep in—even toward God Himself.

But everything changes in verse 16. Asaph begins to see clearly. He recognizes not only the ultimate end of the wicked—that they will face God’s justice if they do not repent—but also the condition of his own heart. He confesses his bitterness and realizes how far his thinking had drifted from truth.

Then the psalm turns beautifully in verses 23–28. Instead of focusing on what he doesn’t have, Asaph begins to rejoice in what he does have:

• God’s presence: “I am continually with you.”
• God’s guidance: “You hold my right hand… You guide me with your counsel.”
• God’s promise: “Afterward you will receive me to glory.”

He comes to a powerful conclusion: God Himself is the greatest treasure. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” (v. 25) And then comes the statement that anchors it all: “But for me it is good to be near God.” That’s not just a feeling—it’s a choice.

God is always near. He has not moved. When distance exists, it is not because He has left us, but because we have wandered. And yet, the moment we turn back, we find Him ready to receive us.

Asaph says, “I have made the Lord God my refuge.” That is intentional. That is decisive.

When we drift, everything feels confusing. We question God’s goodness. We compare. We envy. But when we draw near to Him, clarity returns. Our perspective is restored. We realize again that there is no better place to be than in His presence. Nearness to God doesn’t remove every problem—but it transforms how we see everything.

Reflection Questions

1. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been focusing more on others than on God?
2. Have you allowed comparison or frustration to create distance between you and Him?
3. What does it look like, practically, for you to “draw near” to God today?

Closing Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times I’ve let my eyes drift and my heart grow distant. Thank You for never leaving me, even when I wander. Draw me back to You and help me choose nearness—to seek You as my refuge, my strength, and my greatest treasure. Restore my perspective so that I see clearly again that being near You is the greatest good. In Jesus’ name, amen.