Devotions: Beyond the Physical

My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:26 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

I memorized this verse as a college freshman. And though it was then with the intent of turning my focus from boys to God, it has returned often in other times of need. Our flesh and hearts will fail. Even as a “young” 30something, I know that full well. We cannot depend on our bodies, nor should our bodies or physical appearance be our main focus. What matters is our inner person, our soul and spirit. Our physical bodies will eventually die and decay. Our physical appearance will come to nothing. But our souls and spirits will continue on. What good is a pretty face and body covering an ugly heart? We should depend rather on God. He supplies our real strength and vitality. He is our inheritance, everything we have in this life and the next. We will always have God, and many times we will only have God. But He is all we need. Of course we need to take care of our bodies, for God gave them into our care to carry about His will, but they should not become our god, only a tool to use for the true God. Remember, as we come to the New Year, where your focus and priorities should be. Realign your heart with God’s and seek His will for your life. Most importantly, seek to grow your inner person, to cultivate and perfect it to the image of Christ!