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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist doesn't just want to experience God's presence; he desires closeness to God specifically "that I may tell of all your works." This highlights that true worship isn't just about feeling good, but about actively sharing God's goodness and actions with others, a vital outflow of genuine faith.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist has just described the devastating end of those who live far from God, contrasting their destruction with his own determined closeness to the Lord. He concludes the psalm by reaffirming his commitment to God as his refuge and ultimate good, resolving to recount all of God's mighty deeds from this secure position.
Have you ever felt that something was missing, even when things were going well? The Psalmist grappled with this, but found a profound answer.
The verse begins with a powerful declaration: "But it is good for me to draw near to God." This isn't just a nice sentiment; it's a hard-won conclusion. The Psalmist, Asaph, had just spent much of the psalm wrestling with the seeming prosperity of the wicked and the struggles of the righteous. He almost lost his faith! But through his struggle, he discovered that the ultimate good, the highest well-being, isn't found in outward success or ease, but in the very presence of God.
Think of it like this: a beautiful, comfortable house might seem like the ultimate good. But if you were separated from everyone you love, would it truly feel good? Asaph realized that God Himself is the true good, the ultimate 'home' for our souls. His presence satisfies in a way nothing else can. This closeness isn't just a feeling; it's an active relationship of faith, love, and obedience.
When life feels overwhelming, where do you run? The Psalmist chose a specific kind of refuge, one that fuels his entire life.
The second part of the verse reveals how the Psalmist finds this good: 'I have made the Lord GOD my refuge.' This is a deliberate act of choosing God as the one to depend on, especially when facing the confusing realities of life. It’s an active trust, a placing of one's life and security into God's hands.
But this refuge isn't just for personal comfort. It leads directly to the third part of the verse: 'that I may tell of all your works.' By making God his refuge, the Psalmist is empowered and motivated to declare God's actions. His trust in God provides him with the experiences and the perspective to share God's faithfulness.
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This means our relationship with God isn't meant to be kept private. The works of God – His acts of mercy, His mighty deeds, His faithfulness – are meant to be shared. Our refuge in Him fuels our testimony.
Understand the original words
qarabah · Hebrew Noun
A position of intimacy, fellowship, and covenantal presence with God. It is the antithesis of being "far," signifying a state of blessedness through communion with the Creator.
machseh · Hebrew Noun
A place of safety or shelter; a sanctuary. It describes God as the one to whom believers flee for protection, security, and deliverance in the midst of danger or distress.
'Adonay YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The Hebrew text uses 'Adonay Yahweh (Lord GOD). 'Adonay denotes God's sovereign authority and mastery, while Yahweh is the personal, covenantal name of God, revealing Him as the faithful I AM.
Similar to the psalmist's realization that drawing near to God is the ultimate good, Peter declares Jesus has the words of eternal life, highlighting the unique and irreplaceable value of closeness to God's presence.
Psalm 16:8This verse echoes the sentiment of making God one's refuge and source of joy, emphasizing that keeping God 'always before me' leads to steadfastness and a rejoicing heart, much like the psalmist's conclusion.
Hebrews 11:6The psalmist's act of trusting God to declare His works aligns with this passage, which states that without faith and the belief that God rewards those who seek Him, it's impossible to please Him.
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic promise directly supports the psalmist's declaration of making the Lord his refuge, assuring those who are in distress that God will strengthen them and uphold them, thereby enabling them to testify to His faithfulness.
1 Chronicles 16:8-9This passage directly parallels the psalmist's intention to declare God's works, calling on the people to give thanks, call on His name, and make known His deeds among the nations, underscoring the public proclamation of God's goodness.
poolePsalms 73:28: "But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works."
But whatsoever they do, I am abundantly satisfied that it is, as my duty, so my interest and happiness, to cleave unto thee, by faith, and love, and obedience, and diligent attendance upon all thine ordinances. I have put my trust in the Lord God; I depend upon him alone for all my comfort and felicity. That I may declare all thy works; from which I know I shall have…
bensonPsalms 73:28: "But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works."
Psalm 73:28 . But it is good for me to draw near to God — But whatsoever they do, I am abundantly satisfied that it is, as my duty, so my interest and happiness, to cleave unto thee by faith, love, and obedience, and diligent attendance upon all thy ordinances. I have put my trust in the Lord God — I depend on him alone, for all my comfort and felicity; That I may de…
The psalmist doesn't just want to experience God's presence; he desires closeness to God specifically "that I may tell of all your works." This highlights that true worship isn't just about feeling good, but about actively sharing God's goodness and actions with others, a vital outflow of genuine faith.
The psalmist has just described the devastating end of those who live far from God, contrasting their destruction with his own determined closeness to the Lord. He concludes the psalm by reaffirming his commitment to God as his refuge and ultimate good, resolving to recount all of God's mighty deeds from this secure position.
The psalmist has just described the devastating end of those who live far from God, contrasting their destruction with his own determined closeness to the Lord. He concludes the psalm by reaffirming his commitment to God as his refuge and ultimate good, resolving to recount all of God's mighty deeds from this secure position.
"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." — The psalmist doesn't just want to experience God's presence; he desires closeness to God specifically "that I may tell of all your works." This highlights that true worship isn't just about feeling g…
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Last reviewed October 2026