When I was 16 years old, God showed me myself through Scripture. The experience was not what I expected. God was correcting me and preparing me through his Word for things that were to come.
As I sat home on a Friday night, all my “friends” out running around and having a good time, I began to feel sorry for myself. I was upset that they were out having fun and that I was stuck at home…doing nothing. I arrogantly said to the Lord, “If your Word is for me, then show me something that relates to what I feel right now.” I opened my Bible to Psalms 73.
In Psalm 73:1-16 Asaph is looking at the world around him and becomes angry that they can do whatever they want and still prosper. They clothe themselves with pride, have no thought of God or the repercussion of their actions. Asaph looks at their lives and questions why he is working so hard to please God and seemingly gets little but trouble and heartache in return.
Then, in verses 17-28, Asaph gets in to God’s presence and everything changes! God shows Asaph what happens when people live in such a way. He carefully points out to Asaph that this way of living leads only to spiritual death. God then pushes Asaph to look even deeper at the true root of what’s going on. Verses 21-28 are where Asaph truly sees himself and where he truly sees God’s heart for him!
Psalm 73:21-26– Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. 22 I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. 23 Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. 26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
Through this scripture God revealed himself to me! I was focused too much on the world, on my own desires and wishes. He lovingly held my hand and led me back to reality. He put my heart in focus just as he did Asaph!! He is such a patient and loving father!
Another version of this scripture reads, “My flesh and heart may fail, but God is my strength. He is my choice forever!” On a daily basis we must choose the Lord. The world around us is always pulling for our attention and affections. The enemy wants to divide us and put a wedge between us and the Lord. Today, let us say that even if we mess up…even if we miss the mark…we will choose to follow God regardless how we feel or how things look around us. Help us Jesus to say each day, He is my choice forever!!
(Johna is our Youth Pastor and one of our worship leaders)