Experiencing God's Presence #320

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

Psalm 73:26

“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 of 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.

From the book