Verse of the Day - Psalm 73:26

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 (NLT)

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"My health may fail . . . " wow -- isn't that the truth? It's amazing how many people in my inner circle (or those closely associated with them) right now are going through health problems (not to mention my own back and neck issues...sigh). These bodies of ours just aren't like armored tanks -- they're more like fresh fruit . . . great for a while, but soon decay.

And our spirits struggle also, don't they? We try to be strong on the inside, but we often succumb to discouragement and fear. Face it -- we're human, and we don't always ride on top of the spiritual wave, but instead, end up at the bottom with a mouth full of sandy salt water. pfhth and patooey!

"But God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever!"

I just had to put an exclamation at the end of that sentence. That is good news! The eternal God gives us eternal life through Jesus, and He lives in the heart of all who believe in Him. We are strengthened in our hearts day by day into forever by the Living God -- regardless of how our bodies and spirits weaken and fail.

. . . we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

Coming to grips with our fragile humanity can be frustrating and disconcerting, right on into painful and terrifying. When our bodies and spirits begin to crumble, we can lose sight of the treasure of God within us . . . and even our faith can be shaken. Yet, we can trust His sovereignty and unfailing love. We can make and keep Him as the strength of our hearts.

Way down inside us . . . deep down in the depths of our being, God is there. The Living, eternal God. And He is ours forever. Amen!

(Please pray for those who are struggling with health concerns, either physical or emotional. Pray that God will strengthen their hearts and steel their faith in Him. Pray that they can release their focus on pain and fear, and set their sights on God and His plan and purpose. Pray that they can be fruitful for His kingdom in the midst of their difficult circumstances.)

Love,
Joelene