Envying Sin

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalm 73:1-3

It's difficult enough dealing with our won sin and temptations but looking at non-believers prosper in the world's ways discourages sometimes. We endure hardships and struggles to honor God first but it's hard not to notice what others have as well. Why can't it be easy? Why does it have to be so difficult? Then I remember our sinful nature and how our flesh gravitates toward sin and worldly pleasures. The devil wants us to believe having a large bank account, real estate & knowledge is something to be desired but God needs us to understand something greater. He wants us to trust in The One who will provide just enough finances, shelter & wisdom without crossing over into greed.

This speaks loud and clear to me. Right now, I'm in a struggle with finances with a huge amount of en expected debt, to the point where major changes have to be made. With this, I look back at how easy it used to be saving money and having a nice bank account to fall back on. Not anymore. Today, I 'm living paycheck to paycheck and I'm feeling the heaviness that comes with not trusting that God will provide. What's interesting is that I'm not looking so much of others people's situation as I'm comparing myself to me in prior years. The envy I have is within my own skin at a different season of life. This will definitely cause me to sin because I've become discontent and unsatisfied with all the wonderful blessings God's given. I'm becoming greedy and selfish without even realizing it. God has me right where He wants me and with enough to carry out my purpose today.

LORD God and Father, thank You for teaching me about "Today." Today, "today" means that I have to separate my past circumstances and see the newness of this day. I need to choose to follow God and be content with a dime in my pocket instead of the $100 bill I had yesterday; God may only need me to spend $.10 today. I recognize my sin and ask for forgiveness as I correct and adjust my thinking. When I fail to see each day as Yours I start comparing today's provisions to yesterday's; this will lead to envy. LORD, hear my cry Today! In the matchless name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!