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The book of psalms continues to be a great help to believers around the world and across the ages because many saints identify with both the struggles and the victories described therein. Psalm 73, written by Asaph, is no exception. I want us to consider the words found in verse 26 of that psalm: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Why is Asaph speaking about the failing of his flesh and heart? It is because of the circumstances in his life that he alluded to in the first part of the psalm. He began by saying: “Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (vv. 1–3).
What an admission. The psalmist began with how he felt at the time of writing, after a season when he almost gave up the faith. He was now in a position to acknowledge God’s goodness to His people. Yet the psalmist quickly stated that as true as this might have been, he had almost backslidden as he compared his outward circumstances with those of sinners around him. They were bulging with prosperity while he was withering because of his trials in life (vv. 4–15). He had even begun to secretly envy the wicked.
We may not want to state this publicly, but difficult circumstances in life cause us, like Asaph, to ask heart-searching questions that can bring us to the brink of unbelief. Does God really exist, or could there be another viable explanation for our existence? If He really exists, does He care about morality in the world? Could it be that it does not matter how a person lives? That might explain why wicked people are prospering. Such thoughts can make our hearts fail, as was the case with Asaph.
The psalmist, however, ultimately realizes, “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (v. 26). This lifesaving contrast started when Asaph entered God’s presence and light shone through the darkness (vv. 16–17). From that point on, although his outward circumstances remained the same, he became a totally different man. He was able to see the end from the beginning. He realized that the wicked were being fattened for the day of slaughter. It was folly to envy them. He rebuked himself for his spiritual blindness. He said that he was like a beast—a creature of mere instinct—toward God (vv. 21–22).
Only God can bring about this seismic change in perspective. Asaph’s feet had almost slipped, but God held him up. The word that Asaph used for “strength” in Hebrew is the word translated elsewhere as “rock” (e.g., Ps. 18:2). It evokes the contrast of standing or building on rock, which is solid, versus building on sand, which is perilous. Only solid rock can hold us up when the rains come down like a flood and the howling winds are blowing like a hurricane. In New Testament language, Christians can say with the hymn writer Edward Mote, “On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.” The Hebrew word also speaks of a refuge such as a fortress or a stronghold. We can hide and rest in God as we walk through the storms of life.
Note that before making this final conclusion, Asaph explained the unique relationship that God has with His people that far outweighs what sinners find in earthly pomp and pleasures. He wrote: “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory” (Ps. 73:23–24). These words speak of God’s reassuring presence, His upholding mercy, His wise counsel, and His persevering grace. In the darkest moments of a person’s life, these realities are the impregnable foundation and the strong refuge that money cannot buy.
Asaph calls God his portion. That has reference to a treasure that is divided out and brings great joy. So the greatest treasure that we have as Christians in this life is summarized in the words spoken by God: “I am continually with you.” I love the way that these words shine with unique brightness in the words of God spoken through Isaiah: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” (Isa. 43:2).
In the light of this truth, we can well understand Asaph’s saying: “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” (Ps. 73:25–26). He was essentially saying: “All I care about now is being in ongoing fellowship with the living God. Come and get even the shirt on my back if you want, but leave me with God. He is all I want, and He is all I need.” It may not take away the trouble, but it gives God’s child buoyancy in the storm.
If you are going to enjoy a true buoyancy of spirit in suffering, you must concentrate on the God who is sovereign over all affairs of this world. You need to look above the blood, sweat, and tears of this life and fix your eyes on this God who promises to be with His people in all circumstances. Make Him your portion. It is what John Newton had in mind when he wrote in his hymn, “Begone, unbelief, my Savior is near, and for my relief will surely appear: By prayer let me wrestle, and he will perform; with Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.”