STRENGTH IN THE HEART (1)

“My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the STRENGTH of MY HEART and my portion forever” – Psalm 73:26

Manifestations of Victory begin with Testimonies of STRENGTH in the HEART: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the STRENGTH of MY HEART and my portion forever” (Psa.73: 25-26). The Message Bible says: “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the STRENGTH of my HEART; he is mine forever.” Although, all round strength is vital, being strong in the heart is superior to being strong in the flesh. God’s Word guarantees us total renewal right from the heart, if for any reason, our health fails or our spirit or heart grows weak.

Seeing godless people thrive, even as they hatefully mock God, while believers suffer, leads many people to a crisis of faith. This was the case for Asaph, the writer of Psalm 73, whose task was to lead people in the worship of God in the Temple. Privately, he often wondered whether it was worth it. Using exaggerated imagery he complained to the Lord that it seemed as if evil people had easy lives, while godly people suffered. He confessed that he envied the proud for their prosperity, and was perturbed by their seemingly happy lives (vv.4-5). Until God opened his eyes, the psalmist erroneously evaluated the strength of man to be “firm” (v.5).

It seemed as if the wicked and unrighteous people who had ignored God were getting away with their arrogance, while the righteous were suffering. Didn’t God care? Was it really worthwhile to remain faithful to Him? Asaph complained: “Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning” (vv.13-14). Nursing his doubts and frustration, Asaph tried to bear the troubles he was facing bravely, but could not help feeling grieved and embittered: “Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind” (v.21). Further reflection however reminded Asaph that sin does lead to consequences, both in this life and the next. He confessed his sins of bitterness and resolved to trust God more deeply.

Verses15–28 give a fitting resolution to Asaph's complaint regarding the contrast between the seemingly prosperous wicked and the difficulties of the righteous.  His dilemma was resolved when he entered the Presence of the Living God: “When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me – until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.” (vv.16-17). In God’s Peace-filled Presence he discovered how to praise God amid the troubles, pain, pressures, and injustice of the world. An eternal perspective gave the answer he needed: Wickedness does come with risks, and earthly life is not all there is to our existence. In eternity, judgment on godlessness is absolutely guaranteed. He concluded, “It is good for me to draw near God…” (v.28a).

Human beings are fallible. Asaph wrongly became bitter and unhappy when he could not understand God's ways (vv.2–3, 21–22). After resolving his unhappiness, he declared God as the most important aspect of his life (vv.15-18). Even if his health failed, he knew this would not mean God had failed him (Rom. 8:38–39). God was his “portion” – the Source of his Joy and Fulfilment.

Our Lord Jesus Christ invites us to share Asaph’s discovery. We may have grown weary of all life’s troubles, but He understands and calls us to come close to Him: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt.11:28). As we embrace His Presence, we’ll be strengthened in our hearts to face life’s challenges with Him. His Presence brings sweet relief, even in the midst of the fiercest battle. Walking with Christ does not promise a life of ease filled with earthly acclaim and worldly success. Yet, amid the world’s woes, God says to the heart that’s strengthened in Him: “The Joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh.8:10b).