Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.–Psalm 73:24
It’s been said that, “All of life is here summed up in one verse”. Let the truth of this verse sink deep into your heart and your outlook will never be the same. As he speaks from his place on earth, whatever the details might be, the Psalmist boasts of the Lord as he speaks to the Lord–“Thou shalt guide me”. What a tremendous thought. He believed, and he was right, that God would direct his steps throughout his earthly journey. He was confident that God would never leave nor forsake him. He was certain that when he stumbled God would strengthen him, and when he strayed God would steer him.
Notice how—“with thy counsel”. The Psalmist was a wise man. He did not depend on the guidance of mere fallible humans, nor even himself. He knew God is all-knowing and ever-wise. He was certain that the Lord is a dependable guide, well able to lead him through this wicked wilderness, we call “the world”–not an easy place to live. He knew God would never give bad advice, nor lead him in the wrong direction. We should be so confident and calm. For every problem God provides a solution. For every misstep, leading us away from the straight and narrow, God counsels us back on track.
Now, all this is wonderful, but this is just on earth. It gets better–much better! It always does for the Christian. The best is always yet to come for the child of God. It’s just a matter of time. He says–“and afterward receive me to glory”. Here He carefully and lovingly guides us. Finally, however, He will usher us into His very presence, where “there are pleasures for evermore”( Psalm 16:11). That is glorious! The Bible never speaks of any intermediary state. It is always out of and into. As others have said, “Death is not a tunnel, it is a door”. When our great guide has finished with us here on earth, He receives us into His presence. There is never any separation –no time apart from God. Although our location and circumstances change, our company with God does not. When He is finished guiding us here He faithfully receives us “to glory”. That will be glory for me!
It is exactly as described in Psalm 48:14, “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death”. Take courage dear Christian, He will not fail you!
