In Psalm 73 the Psalmist recounts a time when he was fighting against envy. He saw the wicked prospering and grew discouraged. As the Psalm unfolds the author – Asaph – returns to the LORD. In verses 25-26 he provides these powerful lines:
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
These verses always challenge my discontentment. My heart and flesh are always searching for “more” or “better” things in this world. But the truth in these verses drives a dagger through my erring desires. What is greater than God and eternity with Him? What temporary prosperity is greater than eternal glory? The treasures and pleasures of this world are shifting sand, but God is our strength (our Rock) and our forever portion.
This morning the questions I ponder are these: What are the things of this world that I desire and delight in more than God? What temporary pleasures will I avoid today in order to focus greater attention on the eternal prize of Jesus?