Maintaining Perspective

As I got up this morning I began to feel an unusual amount of fatigue and more persistent discomfort in my chest. Fortunately after laying down for a while and some meds it seemed to go away. I did make it to my therapy session. But due to my recent issues we took it a little easier. This provided an opportunity to reevaluate my leg strength with my physical therapist. I was pleased that my right leg is showing some progress. While the muscles tire quickly they are gradually getting stronger.

I returned home to record a webinar session in conjunction with my work with the Rocky Mountain Energy Forum. It then worked on some of my prep for a program that I am doing on Friday for my old Rotary Club in Lakewood. It will be good to see some folks that I have not seen for over a year.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… 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…..But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works” Psalm 73: 25,26,28

Psalm 73 contains some of my favorite verses. But what is interesting, they are found in the midst of the Psalmist moving from envy of the wicked to reassurance of his faith and trust in God. What makes this Psalm practical is that the same thing happens today with a lot of people. They look around, the wicked seem to be well provided for, have lives of ease, they feel no accountability to God. The Psalmist begins by saying, “…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.”

What made the difference?  “But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,until I went into the sanctuary of God…” Psalm 73:15,16

The Psalmist gained the perspective that he needed in the House of the Lord, in the presence of the Lord. He was able to see life from an eternal  perspective and to realize that the wicked come to an end and it is THE end. But the Lord is always with those who trust in Him. He readjust his value system from worldly wealth to heavenly riches. “…there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.”

As I spent six years as a legislator in the midst of all types of personalities, egos, world views and perspectives, I found my sheltered Christian world stretch. I don’t know how many times that going to God’s House and hearing God’s Word provided the encouragement and perspective that I needed to keep me anchored and focused.

The conclusion of the Psalm is an important resolution for all, ” But for me it is good to draw near to God…” The statement comes not just in recognition of a truth, as in, “it is good to draw near to God.” It carries a different weight when he says But for me…Each person has to come to that realization and make that decision. Just like Joshua of old who said, “Choose you this  day whom you will serve….as for me and my house we will serve the Lord…”

Drawing near to God provides that refuge we need from worldly influences. It helps us maintain our perspective as sojourners in this world. It also provides for us the opportunity to experience and share the wonderful works of the Lord.