Life Verse

Life Verse

            Everybody that has grown up in a Christian environment would have heard or declared a bible verse or verses to be a guide for their life. I am no exception. Although, I feel like I "discovered" mine really late in life. Also, I think most people have really nice and happy life verse. Mine feels like it is a little different than most, but it is still very important to me. So I thought I would share it with you and what it means to me.

            My life verse is actually more of a life chapter since it is the entirety of Psalm 73. I would suggest reading it, it's an interesting one. Basically, it starts out with the psalmist lamenting to God about their envy of those who don't believe in or obey God. They thrive and enjoy wonderful lives and mock that God can't see what they do in secret. The psalmist feels that he kept God's commands in vain because his life is not as abundant as those who held God in no regard. Asaph, the psalmist, couldn't understand the contrast or why it was occurring until he entered the presence of God. He then saw the ending, how God would raise those faithful to him and how those who did evil and ignored God will answer for their sins. The psalm cumulates into verses 23-26 and are typically what I tell people my life verse is, "Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

            Now when first reading the chapter (or just my synopsis) this may seem like a more stoic bible entry to hang my hat on. However, this chapter, and even just those three verse, and very relatable to me. There have been a few times in my life when I felt like a was struggling or frustrated, yet when I look at others not living their lives for the Lord, they seem to be just fine. Heck, they're living it up. While I'm not one to be jealous or ungrateful, it did make me scratch my head and wonder what I was doing wrong. Sometimes it wasn't even comparing myself to someone else, I just felt lost and confused as to why I was. This psalm reminds me of two things when I feel like I'm working in vain. The first is to be in God's presence. Asaph didn't find revelation or comfort until he entered the presence of God. And I can't expect my questions to God to be answered if I'm not praying and communicating with Him. A lot of my concerns would probably seem less drastic just by being in communication with God. The second thing this psalm reminds me of is that God is more than enough to fill all my needs. With God on my side, what can the world really do to me? It may knock me down, but God will raise me up to greater heights. God is always there leading me down the path He set for me and comforting me when my eyes get filled with other's success. God will not abandon His children. He has great things in store for me and for all those in His kingdom. He is holding me by my right hand, and he is my strength and portion forever.