DEVOTION – DAY 300

Psalm 73:26 “God Is My Strength”

 

Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

 

The psalmist who wrote Psalm 73 was a Levite. In ancient times, the Lord was his portion because those from the tribe of Levi were not given any land. They were to be priests and depend upon people’s tithes dedicated to the Lord. This dependence upon God for his portion or daily provisions inspired the psalmist to declare that even though his health and body may fail him, he is still able to carry on because God is his strength and his portion forever.

 

We see this same inner strength in people who may face illnesses of various kinds. We know people who have been fighting cancer for many years. Their cancer goes into remission for a time but subsequent tests show that the cancer had returned. Then, they undergo more treatment and the cancer goes into remission again. But throughout, they remain positive and trust God. They look at each day as a gift from God. They know that this world is not their final home. Like the apostle Paul, they also believe in what Paul wrote in 2 Cor.5:6 “Therefore, we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.” Although their bodies may have cancer, they know that their flesh and hearts may fail them one day, and when that happens, they will return back to their final home which is with the Lord. In the meantime, they draw their strength from the Lord.

 

We contrast this with people who were similarly diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses but they did not have God in their lives. We noticed that these people go about as if there was a death sentence over their heads. They were fearful and anxious. They give up more easily as their treatments get prolonged or complicated. This was because they were battling their illnesses on their own strength. Let us therefore do what we can to share the gospel with them so that they have God in their lives and that their salvation is secured. This will help them to face their challenges.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, You are the strength of our hearts and our portion forever. Indeed, should our bodies and hearts fail us, You will never forsake us. Thank you for your strength that sustains and upholds us each day. Help us to live each day secure in Your mighty arms. We pray this in the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. Who do you know who is an unbeliever and is facing a serious illness? How can you help this person to receive Jesus as his or her Lord and Savior?
  2. Why do people grow tired and weary easily in the face of challenges when they do not have God in their lives? Discuss.
  3. How has the Lord been your strength and portion recently? Share.