Even When the Heart Fails - The Crosswalk Devotional - June 22
Even When the Heart Fails
By Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading:
“…I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever… it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” Ps. 73:22-28 (NIV)
Have you ever been through an unexpected trial and felt as if your heart and your flesh are failing? Where do you turn when the circumstances are so overwhelming, so oppressive, that it feels as if any and all physical strength has been drained out? Normal stamina and rigor seem to be completely absent, leaving you utterly exhausted from the simplest daily tasks. And if that isn’t challenging enough, your heart follows suit and struggles to carry the weight of your unwelcome burdens.
Unfortunately, we all face hardships, disappointments, and at times even devastation. While the Bible is full of God’s promises, unending love, and hope for the future, it is also clear that sin and suffering are ever-present realities in this world. The consequences of these can wreak havoc on our hearts and minds. Our Heavenly Father understood this from the moment sin entered the world and forever changed the landscape of all of our lives. He made provision through His only Son to pay the penalty for sin, but that payment does not shield us from encountering heartbreak. While we cannot evade challenging and hurtful circumstances, God promises to walk side-by-side with us as we take every step through the valley.
I don’t know where you find yourself today. Perhaps you are in a sweet season of joy and abundance. If so, I celebrate with you. Treasure the good gifts God has bestowed upon you during this time. But if you are facing a season of struggle, then I empathize and offer my deepest condolences. Today, I find myself wandering through yet another desert, confused, conflicted, and in desperate need of holy consolation. Yet even in this, I know God is still granting me “good” gifts, even if nothing about it feels “good.”
There really are times when there is nothing here on earth that can satisfy or bring true comfort. Loved ones can be present, be a listening ear, and provide some measure of relief, but only the Lord can reach those dark caverns of our souls when the heart fails. He assures us that He is always with us, no matter how crushed and lost we feel. When we feel like we cannot possibly take one more step, He guides us with His counsel. He provides supernatural wisdom for the hard decisions we may have to make and a peace that surpasses all understanding. Though the wind and the waves may buffet our sails, the Lord declares, “Peace, be still.”
As the Lord fulfills every one of these promises, He is granting us good gifts. He is demonstrating His unfailing love as He draws us closer to Him. God reveals Himself to us as we seek refuge in Him and in Him alone. We can trust Him. On the other side of the cross is resurrection. On the other side of whatever hardships and hurts you are facing today, there is glory.
Will you join me today, as we remind ourselves of God’s goodness and promises shared in Psalm 73:22-28?
“…I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever… it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (NIV)
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Are there circumstances in your life right now that have threatened to overtake your faith and peace? Do you feel as if your heart has failed? If so, how does today’s scripture offer you hope? Even if the pain and disappointment feel unbearable, can you sense God’s presence in the midst of all you are going through? Regardless of where you find yourself today, I pray that God’s faithfulness is evident in your life, and you can declare with me, “It is good to be near God.”
Further Reading:
Hebrews 13:5
John 16:33
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Valentina Shilkina
To read more from Megan, check out her Blog, Just One More Chapter. If you would like to connect further with Megan, you can discover more on her Website, on Facebook, or Instagram.
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