My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalms 73:26
We must look at the whole psalm to put today's verse into context. In its reading, we can appreciate the parallels between the author's observations and our present situation.
The author begins, "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart." He quickly adds, "But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold." (v. 2) Despite knowing God's goodness as a certainty, he experiences times of doubt.
Looking around, the author is bewildered and strangely envious of how the wicked prosper. The wicked do not care about anyone but themselves and work to promote their own agendas. They continue to gain greater wealth and power, propagating grave injustice while profaning against God, yet sleeping like babes at night without fear of God's retribution. He ponders how this can be while he faces new struggles each day.
Remember, he wrestles with these feelings in the face of his assertion that God is good. With this knowledge, the author recognizes there is no place to turn with these feelings of uncertainty in this time of lapsed faith than the source of all goodness, God.
When I tried to understand all this,
it troubled me deeply
till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny. (v. 16-17)
Approaching God, he regains his perspective by going to church. In church, he comes to worship God's goodness, to hear scripture proclaimed and expounded, and to seek repentance. The author confesses his lack of understanding and seeks guidance.
When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.
Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. (v. 21-26)
His faith becomes restored. He is reminded that the wicked may seem to prosper in this life, but there is a coming day of judgment. Though he struggled, his feet nearly slipping into the abyss, he found the strength he needed in God's sanctuary.
Like the author, we look at the world around us and wonder why God permits increasing injustice and oppression and why the wicked prosper. God, in his grace, extends the invitation to all to come to him. He desires that none should be lost but that all who are in sin would accept his goodness. At the same time, when Christ returns, all will be held accountable for their actions. The important thing is for all of us who struggle, whose feet sometimes feel like they're slipping, to turn to God for understanding and peace.
Dear God, we come to you today with humble hearts, seeking your strength and guidance. We know that our flesh and hearts may fail, and our feet sometimes slip, but we trust you to be our strength and portion forever. We pray that you will give us the courage to face the challenges that lie ahead and the wisdom to make the right decisions. We pray that you help us keep our eyes fixed on you, trust in your unfailing love and grace, and guide us in all we do. We thank you for your love and mercy and pray you will continue to watch over and protect us. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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