There are moments when failure tries to really nail us. It leans in and presses hard. It whispers to us, making us think our failure is both final and fatal.

It devalues us and calls us names. It fills us with guilt and shame. It gets us thinking and talking the same way.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

Here's the way out. Put a bold "But God" into the self-talk conversation. Like building a big bunker to stem a bad storm surge, buffer banal self-talk with a ”But God” cry!

When we do, our hearts strengthen. They heal. They get big and hopeful, off the canvas, ready to bounce back into the fray.

Furthermore, when warrior David states, “The Lord is my PORTION,” the word he uses here for ”portion” means “destiny” or “part of something much bigger.” This means David knows he belongs to something strong, powerful, lasting, eternal.

He may lose a battle but he cannot lose the war. David declares “the Lord is my portion forever.” Final victory awaits the one whose portion is the LORD.

Failure in life is indeed inevitable, but final failure is not for those who belong to the Lord. He is the strength of hearts and their portion forever.

So put a “But God” right into the middle of all your doubting self-talk. Confess the Lord as the strength of your heart and portion forever. Memorize Psalm 73:26, and use it as your default self-talk.

As you do, you'll likely find yourself borrowing these David lines that follow two verses later, boasting like this: "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds" (Psalm 73:28 NIV).

Reflect: What past failure might be gripping you right now? Who or what is your real refuge and final destiny? Where can you introduce a bold “But God” into a current life situation and your self-talk?

A prayer to consider: Sovereign LORD, thank You for reminding me that my life’s failures are never fatal or final when You are my portion, my destiny.

Grant me Your confidence to keep going today. And help my self-talk about my past to not condemn my future, for Your glory, my joy and deliverance through You, and Jesus’ sake, Amen.