Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Psalm 73:23-24
There are three important aspects of a relationship with God that deserve special notation in this passage. The first has to do with God's presence and nearness. Even Old Testament saints took comfort in the fact that God was with them. The picture of God holding a person by the right hand is one of nearness, direction, and intimacy. It is the kind of thing that a parent does for a child. And this nearness was the constant experience of the writer of this Psalm. How much more should I be saying these words with the very Spirit of God residing within my heart? God is continually with me and as near as my own heart.
The second important aspect is that of guidance. God guides with His counsel. God is the first counselor that I need and with His nearness, it makes sense that I should seek His will. What affrontery to Him it is for me to seek every other source first when He is so near! It is like I walk right past my wife to talk with another person. I should seek His counsel, which is the best counsel, exactly because it is He Who is holding my hand.
The third aspect is that of an eternal future. The psalmist could confidently conclude that the God Who is near in life, Who is here in counsel, will be dear in death. God receives the soul to glory. Not the soul's glory, but the full glory of the presence of God. God provides comfort, strength, and relationship for today just as He will do so in our future. One cannot underestimate this. I attended the funeral of an aunt yesterday. She had begun attending a little church after my uncle died. The pastor made it very clear (as he preached the gospel to my relatives) that she had trusted Christ at that time and longed to do what God would have her do. I was comforted knowing that indeed she had pursued a relationship with the God Who loves her and now she has been received up into His glory.
When I know the One Who holds my hand, I find what I need, no matter how my life goes. He holds my right hand. He guides me with His counsel. He will lead me to heaven with Him.
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Psalm 73:23-24
There are three important aspects of a relationship with God that deserve special notation in this passage. The first has to do with God's presence and nearness. Even Old Testament saints took comfort in the fact that God was with them. The picture of God holding a person by the right hand is one of nearness, direction, and intimacy. It is the kind of thing that a parent does for a child. And this nearness was the constant experience of the writer of this Psalm. How much more should I be saying these words with the very Spirit of God residing within my heart? God is continually with me and as near as my own heart.
The second important aspect is that of guidance. God guides with His counsel. God is the first counselor that I need and with His nearness, it makes sense that I should seek His will. What affrontery to Him it is for me to seek every other source first when He is so near! It is like I walk right past my wife to talk with another person. I should seek His counsel, which is the best counsel, exactly because it is He Who is holding my hand.
The third aspect is that of an eternal future. The psalmist could confidently conclude that the God Who is near in life, Who is here in counsel, will be dear in death. God receives the soul to glory. Not the soul's glory, but the full glory of the presence of God. God provides comfort, strength, and relationship for today just as He will do so in our future. One cannot underestimate this. I attended the funeral of an aunt yesterday. She had begun attending a little church after my uncle died. The pastor made it very clear (as he preached the gospel to my relatives) that she had trusted Christ at that time and longed to do what God would have her do. I was comforted knowing that indeed she had pursued a relationship with the God Who loves her and now she has been received up into His glory.
When I know the One Who holds my hand, I find what I need, no matter how my life goes. He holds my right hand. He guides me with His counsel. He will lead me to heaven with Him.
