Psalms 73:2-3
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Psalms 73:16-17
When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me—Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.
Walking with God does not always seem the easiest way but it is still the best way. We live in a very prosperous and full society. The problems that most people face in our country are relatively small when you compare them to other places in the world. The truth is, in America, the poor are still full.
I traveled to Brazil a few years ago with my pastor. On this trip I got to experience poverty on levels that someone who is raised in our country could never understand. There was a time when I truly had nothing, a little electric space heater on 3 wheels, that I heated my entire apartment with. I had to take my boys to my mom’s just to feed them. I was unemployed and depressed, but as bad as I had it at the time, it paled in comparison to what I saw there in Brazil.
Following God has been an amazing journey and one that continually teaches me so much. Just because I have jumped all in for God does not mean I am without struggles. In fact, sometimes it seems there are more. As I look at the world around me, people doing what they please, living for themselves, there is a kind of enticement in it, when you are one that lives to serve. Jesus teaches His disciples that we serve first and be served last.
What’s all that for? Why would anyone want to give up the pursuit of themselves and their own? After all, we are being constantly bombarded and enticed by the riches of the world. Perhaps one of the most difficult things that I have had to teach my kids is that the fleeting pleasures of the moment are not worth a lifetime of idolatry. Though there is an innate desire to be drawn to every little thing, it is more blessed to put their focus on God and let Him bring it to pass. There are things He brings us that will bless us here, but the best things He brings are eternal in nature and therefore worth our attention. God builds in you such wonderful character with which you can truly be in joy and peace and thus fully enjoy all He blesses you with. No man nor circumstance can ever take that from you. All that and you get to spend eternity with Him!
Psalms 73:27-28
For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Jeff
