My Portion and My Strength

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

▻ Ps 73:25-26
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When they stand alone, these words from near the end of Psalm 73 are beautiful. But their meaning is made that much deeper in context. The psalmist has just admitted to being jealous of those who have left no room in their lives for God. Such people seem always to be healthy, wealthy, and respected by others. But as the psalm draws to a close, the writer sees clearly that we all come to the same end, and as that end draws near, it draws forth terror in those who have lived for this life only. But for the believer, the response is different: ▻  

Faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 

▻ 1 Cor. 13:13

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Is their portion money and property and power and the praise of those who worship these things? God is both my portion and my strength. The lot that has fallen to them in this life ends at death, and at that moment their power disintegrates. But God is my portion forever, and at death's door I will go from strength to strength.

In thy will, O Lord, is my peace. 

In thy love is my rest.

In thy service is my joy.

Thou art all my heart's desire.

Whom have I in heaven but thee?

And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. Amen.

⁌John Bailley, A Diary of Private Prayer⁍ 

I pray in the Name of him who taught me: Our Father...