Psalm 73:25, 26 - Christ Is Our All In All.
Psalm 73:25, 26 - Christ Is Our All In All.
Psalm 73:25, 26 (NLT) Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire
you more than anything on earth. 26 My health may fail, and my
spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is
mine forever.
Personally, I find these some of the most enchanting words in
the whole of the Old Testament. The first part of verse 25 is put in
a negative, and the second in a positive form. Having looked
around and seen that there is no satisfying substitute for the
Almighty, the psalmist goes on to make the positive assertion that from
the bottom of his heart he desires to know God. He has come to see
(so I believe) that it is more important to desire God for who He is
than for what He does or what He gives. In a sense, the psalmist's
entire problem arose out of the fact that he had put what God gives in
the place of God Himself. The ungodly were having a good time while
he was having a bad time. Why was he having to suffer like this?
His trouble was that he had become more interested in the things God
gives than in God Himself, and when he didn't have the things he
wanted, he began to doubt God's love. Now, however, he has come to the
place where he desires God for Himself. The ultimate test of the
Christian life is whether we desire God for Himself or for what He gives.
Each one of us must ask ourselves: "Do I desire God more than
forgiveness? More than release from my problems? More than healing of my
condition? More than gifts and abilities?" How tragic that our prayers can
be full of pleadings that show, when they are examined, that we are
more interested in enjoying God's blessings than we are in enjoying
God.
O Father, forgive me that so often I am concerned more with
Your gifts than I am with You - the Giver. Help me to long after You,
not because of what You give me, but because of who You are. In
Jesus' Name I ask it Amen. by Selwyn Hughes in Everyday Light
Religious teachers from all religions throughout the
centuries, including Christianity, have looked down on desire as an
unspiritual attitude. In Buddhism, it's the root of all suffering; in some
Islamic and Christian teaching, it has often been considered the root of
sin. Perhaps desire is held in such contempt because human nature
points it in so many wrong directions. But good desire - the deep and
true longing of the heart - is a God-given attribute designed to lead
to fulfillment. When we turn our longings in the right direction,
God satisfies them with Himself.
Jesus told His disciples to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven,
and all their other concerns would be taken care of (Matthew 6:33).
That's because we were designed to love Him above all else, and life
doesn't work well if we don't get that right. His purpose is
relationship. That's the driving force behind creation. God loves to be longed
for and delights in those who delight in Him. The attitude of the
psalmist is music to His ears.
Let this verse be a personal statement of desire. You can
have meticulously correct doctrinal beliefs and strong faith, but if
a longing for God doesn't drive you, you've missed His heart. That
would be tragic - for Him and for you. The God who is love and who
says His name is Jealous wants your passion above all else. He has
the works of many servants and the thoughts of many theologians, but
He doesn't have the hearts of many lovers. Not fully. Be one of
those whose desire connects with His.
Lord, I know You want my passion more than You want my
doctrine, my understanding, my obedience, or even my faith. I realize
these things are related, and You really want them all. But above all
else, You want my love. I really do desire You more than anything on
earth. [The One Year Experiencing God's Presence Devotional by Chris
Tiegreen]
"If you don't have your health, you don't have anything."
Perhaps you've heard such nonsense before; it's a common enough
statement from people who can't see past our current physical existence.
Perhaps those who say it haven't thought through the implications, but
plenty of terminally ill patients can testify that there's a hope
greater than our health. Even when we're wasting away, an eternal flame
burns within those who are born of the Spirit.
Paul said as much in describing the afflictions he bore in
his own body (2 Corinthians 4:7-12). There's a glorious power within
us, an imperishable treasure contained in these perishable vessels.
If we walk through life with a limp, we still walk with the
strength of God showing up in our weakness. If we are attacked by a
disease, it cannot touch our spirits. Though we taste death, we overcome
it. Yes, God gives us wonderful promises for healing and often does
miracles in our bodies. But even when we don't experience that blessing,
we have greater promises for more lasting blessings. If God is the
strength of our heart, no weakness really matters.
Embrace the psalmist's statement: "he is mine forever." There
really is no other passion that lasts forever, but this one not only
lasts, it grows. When the world shakes - and it often does - only one
relationship, one security, one truth can't be shaken. He is the stability and
permanence we long for. No matter what is happening in your world today,
hang on to the imperishable, unending Spirit within you. He is your
life, and nothing can take Him away.
Lord, You are the strength if my heart, and I know I can rely
on You in any situation. I face threats to my health, safety, and
security in this world, but that isn't my life. You are. Help me stay
anchored in You. [The One Year Experiencing God's Presence Devotional by
Chris Tiegreen]
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
I am with you. These four words are like a safety net,
protecting you from falling into despair. Because you are human, you will
always have ups and downs in your life experience. But the promise of
My Presence limits how far down you can go. Sometimes you may feel
as if you are in a free fall, when people or things you had counted
on let you down. Yet as soon as you remember that I am with you,
your perspective changes radically. Instead of bemoaning your
circumstances, you can look to Me for help. You recall that not only am I with
you, I am holding you by your right hand. I guide you with My
counsel, and afterward I will take you into Glory. This is exactly the
perspective you need: the reassurance of My Presence, and the glorious hope
of heaven. (Zep. 3:17; Psa. 73:23-26) [Jesus Calling by Sarah
Young]
I am the One who keeps you safe. You TEND to rely heavily on
your thinking and planning, as if that is where your security lies.
When you start to feel anxious about something, your mind goes into
overdrive - searching for solutions, searching for security. All the while
I am with you, holding you by your right hand. Beware of trusting
in yourself - which is foolish. Instead, walk in wisdom and you
will be kept safe. The essence of wisdom is to trust in Me more than
in yourself or other people. I stand ready to guide you with My
counsel, so bring all your concerns to Me. When you are feeling confused,
it may be helpful to write out your prayers, asking Me to show you
the way forward. Then wait in My Presence, giving Me time to guide
your mind while you focus on Me and My Word. You can whisper,
"Jesus," to help you stay focused. My Name - representing all that I AM -
is a strong tower; those who run to it are safe. (Psa. 73:23-26;
Pro. 28:26; 18:10) [Jesus Today by Sarah Young]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20140619-1832.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Musical Devotional On Christian Living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDY:
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/
LINKS FOR PROPHECY SEMINARS
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
http://www.lastdayofprophecy.com/
[March 21-26, 2016: Charlotte, NC in person with live streaming
and multiple outreach locations]
Revelation Today by Pastor John Bradshaw:
https://revelationtoday.com/other-streams/
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
