Today’s devotional is in memory of Tunch Ilkin. Tunch has been with the Lord for almost two years, and—like many who are reading or listening to this devo—I still miss him dearly. Tunch loved Jesus. He loved his family. And he loved to minister to men. Tunch was one of a kind, and he left a lasting impact.

About two years before he passed, Tunch memorized today’s verses and quoted them regularly. He shared these often with the men of our church. When I taught with him, this passage always came up at some point in our teaching.

Psalm 73:23-26 (NIV)
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

In this passage, the psalmist, a man named Asaph, reminds us of four essential truths:

Presence. The psalmist knows that God is always with us; therefore, we are always with him. He never takes his eyes off us for one second! He never leaves us alone! We experience his presence today…and forever!

Security. Asaph knows that God holds him steady. Like a parent holding the hand of a child on unsteady terrain, so our heavenly Father holds us securely through the smooth paths and rough patches. He never lets us go!

Counsel. Life is full of forks in the road. Our vision is limited. We can’t see what’s around the next bend. But God sees the beginning from the end and guides us with his constant presence and perfect counsel.

Eternity. The one who walks with God journeys through life, through death, and is escorted into eternity. When we come to the end of life’s path, God will take us to glory!

I am so thankful God gave Tunch these verses. When Tunch learned he had ALS and his days were limited, these truths continued to penetrate deeper into his heart. And then…God took him to glory!

Father, thank you that death is only a transition to eternal life. Thank you that one day you will take me into glory, and I’ll see you face to face. Thank you for the assurance from this passage that you are always with me, guiding me by your presence and your counsel. In Jesus’ name. Amen.