“But as for me my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” Ps. 73:2-3
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
As I load my vegetables onto the grocery belt, I catch myself being hypnotized by the latest magazine covers beckoning me at the stands. The glamorous lives spilled onto the front pages of these glossy tell-alls, make my daily routine of oatmeal and the Biography channel seem less than exciting. I know there are plenty of things out there that I am missing in life—and there is a quiet reassurance in my heart that all that glitters is not gold. The “fools gold” of this world are the distractions (lusts of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life) that will keep our eyes off the things that really matter: our inner life. It is a waste of time to be envious of the people and things that God has not given us; because quite frankly, if you are a Believer in Christ, you have been given eternal assurance of a place in heaven. This priceless gift is offered to everyone, but very few take hold of it. It is important to keep in mind that the spiritual world works in reverse of the physical world. What is seen as a blessing in this lifetime is actually a huge stumbling block to our spiritual lives. Let’s pray for a heart that appreciates the good things we are not taking notice of!
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to thank you for the blessings you have given me that I have not taken the time to notice or acknowledge. I have been distracted with envy. I am ashamed to admit that I have been envious of the people who seem to get by with not living for you and are blessed. This is a wicked mind-set. It will not elevate me or open my life to receive the blessings that you want to give me; because it is reflecting a heart that is filled with darkness. I don’t want to stop blessings that you want to give. Lord, forgive my bad attitude. Give me a heart that is always thankful and always aware of the things that truly matter—the things that matter to you. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”