Archived Verse Of the Week

Due to everything life throws at us, there are moments when our inner being will become frail, worn out, and lacking in confidence. We may even get to the point of being disheartened and demoralized. It is then where we must draw from and have confidence that God is our Rock and our strength.

 

In this verse, the Psalmist expresses physical and emotional weakness and acknowledges that his strength is not enough to sustain him. The phrase "my flesh and my heart fail" describes feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with the struggles of life. This sentiment is echoed in other scripture verses, such as Psalm 6:2, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled."

 

However, despite these feelings of failure and weakness, the Psalmist turns to God, recognizing He is the source of true strength and security. The phrase "God is the strength of my heart" is a powerful statement of faith, indicating that the Psalmist is placing his trust in God to be the one who sustains and supports him. You'll find this expressed in other verses, such as Isaiah 40:29, "He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength." Furthermore, the Psalmist declares that God is his "portion forever," meaning that God is not just a temporary source of strength, but He is the ultimate inheritance and treasure of the Psalmist. This sentiment is also expressed in Psalm 16:5, "O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot." The declaration of God being his portion forever is a powerful statement of faith and trust in God. It's a declaration that God is the ultimate good and that He is the ultimate goal of all human endeavours.

 

It is important to remember that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is always with us, providing strength and comfort in the midst of our trials. We can find peace and contentment by trusting Him, even under challenging circumstances.

 

God is our high place where we can go and rise above all that is afflicting us. He is our right-time supply during our greatest need. He is the true source of our provision that never runs out. He spreads His wings over us. The LORD places us in the palm of His hand where no one or nothing is able to get to us. He is the only help and hope we have in our darkest hour. The Lord gives us the courage to stand firm when everyone seems to be against us. The Lord is the strength of our lives. He refreshes us day in and day out. Keep looking unto Him.

 

Let's look at Asaph, the author of this psalm. He observed how the godless succeeded and grew in wealth and status, which made life seem unfair, severely testing his faith in God. Notwithstanding their repressive practices, shady plans, haughty demeanours, and foul language. Compared to these godless people, Asaph knew he had lived a decent, honourable life.

 

Why does God let godly people experience horrible things or situations? This was Asaph's issue, and it's still a question that people ask today. Why do evil men seem unaffected despite their perverse actions, snide remarks, and dishonest behaviour? Asaph's confidence in God began to waver due to the question weighing heavily on his mind. But it wasn't until he sought God and began to think about the unchanging character of his faithful God that Asaph realized his question was based on his own mistaken understanding rather than the unshakeable promises of God that stand eternally.

 

Asaph realized these evil individuals were on the slippery slope to eternal destruction. In contrast, he was on the straight path to everlasting joy and bliss, thanks to God's grace. These sinful people would instantly be whisked away into eternal separation from the Lord. Simultaneously, Asaph's future was fastened to the Rock of our Salvation.

 

So let us draw near to God, catching hold of His eternal perspective and trusting in His unfailing love with all of our hearts. Let us not allow the circumstances that surround us and the apparent successes of the ungodly to cause us to doubt the goodness of God. But rather, let us declare the wonderful works of Him who has saved us by grace through faith in Christ, adopted us into His own family, and covered us in Christ's royal robe of righteousness. Our hope is anchored in Christ and an inheritance that is secured for us in heaven.

 

In moments when control is lost, and fear and anxiety overcome you, prayerfully reflect on the words of this psalm. It is a divine promise written down for you from the beginning of time: God is your strength. He is in perfect control — and He never loses it. He knows all you need and is the only one who can give it to you. Let us look forward to his glory, to being with Him, who is our heart's desire, and to our glorious inheritance.

 

Remember what Paul shared with the Corinthian believers, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18