“My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:26

A few months ago, I was with a family going through a deep valley. As they shared their situation, my heart felt their pain. Then the wife and mother said something that has stayed with me ever since. After describing the heartache their difficulties had caused, she simply declared: “But God!”

In those two words, this dear sister expressed a profound truth: God is the Great Difference Maker in every situation.

The word “but” is a conjunction, and what comes after it always contrasts with what came before. It is a small word, but when it is joined with the name of God, it opens up immense possibilities. The phrase “But God” occurs about 45 times in the Bible, and almost always what follows is radical change.

Take time to read all of Psalm 73. At first, Asaph’s focus was on what was temporary, not eternal. Because he was absorbed with the here and now, he became disturbed (vv. 1–3), his perspective was distorted (vv. 4–12), and he spiraled downward into pain and confusion (vv. 13–16). But everything changed when he entered the house of the Lord. His perspective shifted to God’s perspective—to an eternal one (vv. 17–20).

Having an eternal perspective doesn’t mean ignoring the present. It means that in spite of what’s happening now, we choose to be occupied with God’s goodness, grace, and guidance. Asaph began the psalm with the words, “Truly God is good…” Later he adds: “You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory” (vv. 23–24). Though he began in a valley, he ended on the mountaintop—because his focus had changed, and that changed his perspective.

In verse 25 he asks, “Whom have I in heaven but You?” His conclusion is one every believer should share: “There is none upon earth that I desire besides You.”

Anchor For Today:
Yes, our flesh and our hearts may fail from time to time. But God is the strength of our hearts and our portion forever. His presence and power make all the difference. He is the Divine Difference Maker! Focus on Him today. Develop an eternal perspective and declare with confidence: “But God will see me through!”