Tuesday, December 6, 2011

My Portion Forever

I've been doing an at home Bible study on the book of Psalm. I'm really taking my time delving into the Word and letting it soak in, so it may take awhile to finish this study. It's not a study on each Psalm (I'd never finish), but various ones. Today was Psalm 73. Now, to me, that is not a bit of scripture that makes me say, "ah yes, Psalm 73". I'm not even sure I had ever read it completely before today. But as I was studying it occurred to me that I needed to blog about this. I hate it when I feel the need to blog about something that makes me seem less than imperfect....may I dare say almost human. I love to think I've got it all figured out - but the last 3 years have taught me otherwise. Now, onto Psalm 73...for those that don't have it memorized, I suggest you read through it.

This Psalm hit me in the gut in verses 2-5: "But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have n0 struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills". (Has the Psalmist being reading my journal)

I have to admit that there are times that I am envious of those that seem to have the good life, no sickness, no worries. There are times when I focus more on the contrasts of my life with the life of others....why do I have cancer, why can't I grow old with my husband, why can't I work and play and travel and pretend that tomorrows last forever? I don't wish sickness on anybody, but you've got to admit Bin Laden would have been a great candidate for a few cancerous organs.

But seriously, it is so easy to focus on ourselves, isn't it? We want to be in the fastest lane of traffic or the quickest check-out line, we want everything our way! But as the Psalmist writes, this causes envious thoughts and takes our focus off God. Praise God that he didn't stop there. He remembered the faithfulness of God and verse 26 is music to my ears..."My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Yes, cancer is a horrible thing and it is claiming so many folks - good and bad. But thank you Jesus for securing my spot in eternity! God is my strength, my stronghold and my deliverer!
I will have faith in Him until my faith becomes sight!

Much love,
AmyLou

P.S. Don't forget to read Psalm 73!