His Works not Mine

“I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.” [1]

I am raising my hand. I can recall so many incidents of foolish and ignorant things I said and did. As to the part of being like a beast, when I was in high school, I actually wore a black t-shirt that said, “Almost Human” on the front side, “But Call Me Animal” on the back side. I was into punk and heavy metal rock-in-roll. That was my identity.

“Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.” [2]

Yes, the Holy Spirit graciously continued to speak to me and help me. God was continually with me not because I was like Him, but because He had mercy on me and graciously loved me. He led me out of sin’s captivity via His Gospel. His Gospel helped me to know for certain that He had a place for me in heaven with Him. I simply have to believe and profess that His Son Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. Based on the merits of His Son, Jesus Christ, not my own, He gives me eternal life as a gift. Praise the Lord!

“You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” [3]

Yes, this is happening. The Lord Jesus is guiding me with His counsel, namely the Word of God, the Bible, and His Holy Spirit. He receives me, a unworthy sinner, to His glory! Hallelujah!

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” [4]

I know that my Redeemer lives! There are others in heaven that I know. People like my Grandma Czanderna who professed faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. She read and quoted the Bible to me. I sat with her sometimes in church. There are others I desire on earth: wife, children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends. But these cannot compare to the greatness of knowing and desiring Christ Jesus my Lord!

“My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” [5]

Yes, my flesh is less resilient now than before, but God is wonderful to me!

“It is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works.” [6]

Yes, I am grateful for each day that the Lord wakes me up and draws me by His grace to His Word, the Bible. I am grateful for the faith in Him that He has given me. That is why I am declaring HIS wonderful works! Singing songs to the Lord! Glory to God!

[1] Psalm 73:22
[2] Psalm 73:23
[3] Psalm 73:24
[4] Psalm 73:25
[5] Psalm 73:26
[6] Psalm 73:28