Read Psalm 73:25-28. 25Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. 28But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
This passage is without comparison in the Old Testament for its description of man’s life before God. Asaph’s heart has done a complete 180 from envy, self-righteousness, doubt, silence, and isolation to living in the bounty of God’s portion and the refuge of his presence.
What made the difference?
There is only one thing that can get us through this life without losing our faith, that is making God himself our greatest good. This is Asaph’s breakthrough – the remembering that there is nothing better than the presence of God. A presence guaranteed to us on earth and in heaven by our union with Christ.
Union with Christ is the personal encounter with God that we all need. The Job-like experience that reorients the heart and soul by the arrival of a God that is at the same time beyond our understanding and yet so satisfying that everything else in life is put in its proper place.
When the “Why” questions remain unanswered will the “Who” question sustain us? Will the presence of Jesus be your strength? Will to live is Christ be good enough?
You: Do you primarily ask God the “Why” question, or the “Who” question?
You in Christ: How does knowing that God is with you in Christ put your life more and more into perspective?
Christ in you: How can you daily practice the presence of God?
Pray: Jesus, if all I have is you, I have all that I need. Amen.
To Live is Christ 