What does Psalm 73:23 mean?

God had not abandoned Asaph because of Asaph's sin of envying the wicked. He was still with Asaph. Their relationship had not been severed. Asaph felt as if he'd almost fallen away from faith because of bitterness (Psalm 73:2), but God did not let him fall.

Indeed, the reason Israel is still alive today after so many persecutions is due to God's grip on the nation. He promised in Isaiah 43:2 to be with the people of Israel when they pass through the rivers and walk through the fire. He has also promised to be with believers of the church age. When Jesus charged His disciples with the task of proclaiming the gospel throughout the world, He promised: "Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Even when believers undergo harsh trials, the Lord is with them. Hebrews 13:5 exhorts believers to be content with what they have, because He has said, "I will never leave nor forsake you." The presence of the Lord is worth infinitely far more than all the wealth which wicked unbelievers temporarily possess (Psalm 73:18–20).