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^{Psalm 73:23}Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
²⁴You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (ESV)

This psalm has meant so much to me in my walk with the Savior.  I was that “brute beast, senseless and ignorant” and the one who just couldn’t understand why the wicked seemed to have not a care in the world, and yet I was so unhappy . . . (see the entire psalm if that last statement is confusing).

This morning, as I was reading C. H. Spurgeon’s daily devotional, which is taken from this passage, my eye seemed to “catch” on Nevertheless. . . Though I don’t usually do this, I’m inserting the devotional, as Spurgeon expresses my heart and my awe of God. . .Read and be in awe, my friends.

“Nevertheless,”-As if, notwithstanding all the foolishness and ignorance which David had just been confessing to God, not one atom the less was it true and certain that David was saved and accepted, and that the blessing of being constantly in God’s presence was undoubtedly his. Fully conscious of his own lost estate, and of the deceitfulness and vileness of his nature, yet, by a glorious outburst of faith, he sings “nevertheless I am continually with thee.” Believer, you are forced to enter into Asaph’s confession and acknowledgment, endeavour in like spirit to say “nevertheless, since I belong to Christ I am continually with God!” By this is meant continually upon his mind, he is always thinking of me for my good. Continually before his eye;-the eye of the Lord never sleepeth, but is perpetually watching over my welfare. Continually in his hand, so that none shall be able to pluck me thence. Continually on his heart, worn there as a memorial, even as the high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes upon his heart for ever. Thou always thinkest of me, O God. The bowels of thy love continually yearn towards me. Thou art always making providence work for my good. Thou hast set me as a signet upon thine arm; thy love is strong as death, many waters cannot quench it; neither can the floods drown it. Surprising grace! Thou seest me in Christ, and though in myself abhorred, thou beholdest me as wearing Christ’s garments, and washed in his blood, and thus I stand accepted in thy presence. I am thus continually in thy favour-”continually with thee.” Here is comfort for the tried and afflicted soul; vexed with the tempest within-look at the calm without. “Nevertheless”-O say it in thy heart, and take the peace it gives. “Nevertheless I am continually with thee.” (Spurgeon’s “Morning and Evening” — morning July 29)

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.  And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”  2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT

I’m not a helpless slave to my emotions.  I’m not a victim of my thought life or even what others say about me.  I have choices.

I have choices because of God’s tremendous mercy.  He has given (not I have earned it through brownie points and working harder and longer) me everything I need to live a godly life.  That “everything” is in His Word, His living and active Word.

Oh, Father, I do love Your Word!  I want to know You; I am so grateful that You have not set me up for failure, but You have provided all I need to live a life that is pleasing to You.  How much You love me!

And I am so grateful. . .

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.  All power to him forever! Amen.  1 Peter 5:6-11 NLT (emphasis mine)

The life of a disciple of  Jesus is definitely NOT passive.  But it’s not a solitary existence; God is there, every step, every care, every anguish.  He is there; He is present.  I’m so grateful that Christ is my foundation!

I’m including a quote from C. H. Spurgeon regarding this passage.  “. . .So the Christian is made strong, and firmly rooted by all the trials and storms of life. Shrink not then from the tempestuous winds of trial, but take comfort, believing that by their rough discipline God is fulfilling this benediction to you [ 1 Peter 5:10-11]. . .”

Lord, I want to be faithful to You.  I admit that I desperately need You; I cannot stand firm or watch or remember without You.  Thank you that You are ever present, and You care.  You are glorious!

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.
Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”  Colossians 4:2-6 NLT

Sometimes I just get “stuck.”  I don’t know what to pray for.  That’s why I have learned over the years to pray with my “Bible open” (either literally, or bringing back to mind the verses committed to memory).  Reading this passage forces me to think — do I ask others to pray that I will have lots of opportunities to share Christ with those who don’t know Him?  Do I ask God to open my eyes to see these opportunities all around me?

I had to confess and repent that often I will get on a plane or stand in a line and, instead, ask God, “for just a little peace and quiet, Lord.  I’m so tired.”  Paul didn’t just have an annoying medical condition — HE WAS IN PRISON!!!  He was asking the Colossian believers to pray that he would have opportunities to share Christ, and that he would be clear, gracious and attractive.  How selfish of me, to want to trade my temporary “peace and quiet” for someone else’s eternal destruction.

Lord, I do want to make the best use of every opportunity.  Sometimes you do want me to rest my voice and be quiet.  Sometimes, though, you want me to speak, to ask questions, to listen (which I can do with a sore voice or not) and to pray that someone will be radically changed by the wonderful gospel of Christ.  You are my redeemer; You saved me; I do want everyone to know that.