“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…But as for me, it is good to be near God.”

Over the last week, I have not felt well physically. I have tried to do what I know to do to take care of myself while keeping up with my work as pastor. It has not been easy. I know you can identify with me. We know what it’s like to get sick and still have responsibilities to fulfill. We know what it’s like to get discouraged when we don’t feel well.

The good news is I feel better than last week. The discouraging reality is that I still don’t feel completely well. As I was thinking about that this morning, the Scripture from Psalm 73 came to mind. My flesh and my heart may fail – yes, my physical body is struggling and dragging my emotions along with it. I’m reminded this finite body will one day pass away. But there is hope.

As I worked from home this past week, I continued to keep to my typical schedule as much as possible. I began my day with my devotional time with God. That time is vital to my spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental health. Even though I wasn’t feeling well, even in moments of discouragement, God’s presence was a source of strength and help. God always receives me as I am and reminds me of His great love for me and for all people. We don’t deserve God’s love, but oh what a beautiful, life-sustaining gift.

Yes, God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. But as for me, for you, for all people, it is good to be near God!

Think about the specific events surrounding your need and how God was a source of strength and help.

 

Take some moments to give thanks and rest in God’s presence.