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Finding Strength In God Alone Psalm 73:25-26 Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 2, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: In Psalm 73, we find the psalmist wrestling with the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the struggles of the righteous. Despite his doubts and confusion, he ultimately finds solace and strength in God alone
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Finding Strength in God Alone Psalm 73:25-26
Introduction:
In Psalm 73, we find the psalmist wrestling with the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the struggles of the righteous. Despite his doubts and confusion, he ultimately finds solace and strength in God alone. Today, we will explore how we can also find our strength and refuge in the Lord, even in the midst of life's uncertainties.
Point 1: Recognising the True Source of Strength
Scripture: Psalm 73:25-26 (NLT) "Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever."
The psalmist acknowledges that God alone is the ultimate source of strength and satisfaction. Despite the fleeting nature of earthly desires and accomplishments, the psalmist's longing for God surpasses everything else. He recognises that even in times of physical weakness and spiritual weariness, God remains the unchanging anchor of his soul.
"As long as you have God, you have all you need. He is the source of every blessing and the strength of every weakness." - Charles Spurgeon
Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) - "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
In this verse, Isaiah offers a message of hope and encouragement to those who place their trust in the Lord. He paints a vivid picture of the transformative power of faith, likening it to the strength and endurance of eagles. When we rely on God's strength, He enables us to overcome obstacles and challenges, empowering us to soar above life's difficulties without growing weary or faint.
Point 2: Trusting God's Sovereignty in Every Season
Scripture: Psalm 73:26 (NLT) "My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever."
Despite the psalmist's acknowledgment of his own frailty, he finds assurance in the eternal faithfulness of God. He trusts that God will sustain him through every trial and challenge, regardless of his circumstances. In God's unwavering presence, he finds strength to persevere and endure.
"Our strength is found not in our circumstances, but in the unchanging character of our God." - Elisabeth Elliot
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT) - "Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."
Paul's words here echo Isaiah's sentiment, emphasizing the paradoxical strength found in weakness. He acknowledges his own weaknesses and hardships but rejoices in them because they serve as opportunities for the power of Christ to be made manifest. Through our vulnerabilities, God's grace and strength are magnified, enabling us to endure and overcome any trials we may face.
Point 3: Finding Security in God's Everlasting Love
Psalm 73:26 (NLT) "God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever."
The psalmist concludes with a profound declaration of his intimate relationship with God. He finds security and contentment in knowing that God belongs to him, and he belongs to God. This bond of love provides him with unwavering confidence and assurance, regardless of life's uncertainties.
"God's love is the anchor that holds us steady in the storms of life." - Billy Graham
Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) - "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love."
In these verses, Paul affirms the unfailing, unbreakable love of God for His children. He reassures believers that no matter what challenges or trials we may encounter, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. This unshakable love provides a firm foundation upon which we can place our trust and find strength to persevere through life's storms.
Application:
Isaiah 40:31 (NLT):
"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
In this verse, Isaiah offers a message of hope and encouragement to those who place their trust in the Lord. He paints a vivid picture of the transformative power of faith, likening it to the strength and endurance of eagles. When we rely on God's strength, He enables us to overcome obstacles and challenges, empowering us to soar above life's difficulties without growing weary or faint.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT):
"Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong."