Psalm 73:1-3 ESV – 1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
O Lord, how destructive is envy! Envy keeps me from seeing Your goodness, Your provision, Your care. Envy keeps me from seeing the path You have laid out for me. Envy keeps me from seeing the potholes and the rocks that would trip me.
Envy is not just a want of the “things” others have. Lord, I am most tempted to envy the health and energy of others; their independence; their usefulness. When I concentrate on what “they” have and I do not, I can’t see Your goodness, Your care, Your path You have laid out for me.
Psalm 73:21-24 ESV – 21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, 22 I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. 23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Father, this will never cease to amaze me. You are always with me, holding my right hand, counseling me, guiding me and leading me through my pity party and my temper tantrum — all the way to repentance and the ability to once again see Your goodness and care and purpose. I am Your child, not a “throw away”
Psalm 73:25-26, 28 ESV – 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. … 28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
You are my God; You are my Father; You are my strength; You are my future. I am right where I need to be. You are my refuge, my safe place, my security. I must share with others about Your goodness, Your faithfulness. I must tell others that Your path is the only path that leads to life. Envy is so useless, so exhausting. . .
amen
Plea for Grace 