Psalm 73:25

New International Version (NIV)

Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

For Meditation

People know nothing until they reach their wit’s end (Dan. 4:33-34; Lk. 15:17-20). They will never accept their bankruptcy until they realize the futility of life without God. (1 Tim. 6:7). Facing one’s darkness and acknowledging the need for Christ is difficult for many. Still, until then, they can never know God and His forgiving grace. Without Jesus, heaven loses its essence and attraction to the redeemed. For what is heaven without God?

Angels will not satisfy. Neither will Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, and Paul. Despite the streets of gold and pearly gates, a heaven without God will be nothing better than our chaotic earth or hell.

As wretched souls, we find ourselves in a state of unfulfilled longing despite our lofty accomplishments. A nagging emptiness prompts the persistent question: “Is this all there is?” It’s like planning a holiday with a dear friend, only to be disappointed by their absence. Similarly, the believer’s yearning for heaven would end in disappointment if it were possible to remove Christ from His throne in heaven.

Impossible!

That being so, we can echo Asaph’s sentiment that there is nothing in this world we desire more than the tangible presence of our best friend—Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

Now, you can fully grasp Asaph’s triumphant declaration after a near defeat in the battle of the minds (Psalm 73:2-26).

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you (25).

Do you feel the joy of Christ in your heart this morning?

I pray the scripture, Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), will mean more to you today than before. For heaven is nothing without Jesus, and earth is miserable without His daily presence.

May you, therefore, declare with joy going into the weekend after a challenging work week:

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

All you have and desire is Him. Let this draw you closer to Jesus, your Sovereign Lord and Savior, now and forever. Amen!

Shalom