When the Fat Lady Sings Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: When the Fat Lady Sings------------------------------ Date: 1/29/2001 Keywords: "struggles" "triumph" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. Passage: Psalm 73:13* Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. Questions 1. Why might the writer of this psalm feel so discouraged?   2. Is there a remedy?   Practical help When it comes to porn, the end never justifies the means. You don't avoid it to score points with God; you simply do what's right. Sound obvious? Maybe. But we need reminders sometimes about such basic matters. That's because we're prone to make deals with God. Say, no more porn in exchange for ... a job promotion. Or whatever. The Almighty understands a quid pro quo, no? Unfortunately, God does understand and often fails to live up to his end of our bargain. We get disappointed and renege on our commitment -- "in vain have I kept my heart pure." Fortunately, the psalm continues beyond this downbeat note. In verse 26, we read about righteous living in the absence of deal making: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." The writer makes this affirmation based on God's ultimate justice. One day, the fat lady will sing. All wrongs will be righted. Our battles will come through in sweet victory. Draw strength for today's struggles from tomorrow's triumph. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2001 by eXXit *Scriptures are from The Holy Bible: New International Version © Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved.