Scripture:
“But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.”
Psalms 73:2-3 NLT
Observation:
Even the Psalmist Asaph felt the temptation of prosperity. He wrote many psalms and was faithful to God, yet part of himself desired to be part of the “in” crowd. He states it was to a point where he almost fell to the temptation and envy of prosperity of others, especially the proud. I am not quite sure what kind of opulence he was exposed to, but I would say the temptations we face today are even greater. We are constantly force-fed reels of people that are doing things that we may only dream of doing. We are imbued with images of “things” people have that we wish we had. We are baited with material things that we don’t really need but made to think we do.
Application:
I know I have found myself falling into the same temptation as Asaph had. I know I can be swayed to think that I am not good enough, I don’t have everything that I need, or I am not successful. It is easy for me to get sucked into Instagram reels that showcase, cars and material goods that make the have-not’s envy. Asaph is right when he says “Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked…Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was torn up inside.(Psalm 73:17,21).” When we spend time with God, we begin to realize that it is by God’s hand we are sustained and have everything! We have hope beyond the stuff. We are covered by grace and the life we live is blessed!
- I have to be careful about what I am taking into my mind and heart. These things can cause me to doubt and question why I am not blessed like this other person. I will start finding myself dissatisfied with what God has blessed me with and wanting things that are not for me. I need to start filtering and reducing my exposure to these types of influences. Asaph writes in Psalm 73:25, “Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth…”
- Count my blessings. When I am too busy looking at what others have, I forget what I do have. It is a very slippery slope to fall into envy and dissatisfaction.
- Remember who I am and whom I serve. When I have my eyes on Jesus, everything falls away. Asaph writes in Psalm 73:28,” But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter…” He doesn’t say he will make money his shelter. He doesn’t say he will make his possessions his shelter. No, I need to take shelter in God.
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you so much for today’s Word to me. I know that I can be greatly affected by what others have and/or are doing. I choose to find my satisfaction in You. I choose to place all of my hope in You. I ask for your help to be warning flags for me when I am slipping. Please help me to continue to look toward You and find my every need filled in You and Your time. I thank you for saving me and for your blessings! I love you and ask of this in your Name, Jesus! Amen!