Tag Archives: Psalm

Eliminating Envy Everytime

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Maybe you need a reminder like I did. I am comforted to know David struggled with weaknesses we struggle with even today.  Something  I have struggled with in the past is envy.

    David says in Psalm 73“For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.  For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek.  They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.”

Can you relate to those words? I sure can.  Why does it seem like God is always picking on me for the littlest things, but there are others who do worse and they are never rebuked.  In fact blessings seem to pour down on them.

Maybe I am the only one who has had the following thoughts:

  • Why don’t the others around me seem to struggle financially?
  • Why does it seem like everyone has a nicer place ?If only I had that type of house I would be happy and satisfied?
  • I sure wish I knew what it felt like to walk in a store and buy what you want without mentally figuring out what is left in the bank.
  • Why is it when we do a big project, like installing sprinklers, we have to eat Mac & Cheese and frozen pizza’s for two weeks to afford it?  Others just write a check or charge the cost.

    • Am I the only one who struggles with these thoughts?  Well I know David did. When I read Psalm 73 this is what I read (Gospel according to Lori):

      “For I was envious of the non-Christians (and some Christians) for the prosperity they always seem to have.  They do not suffer one bit here on earth until they die and on top of it they are skinny, buff, and don’t have to worry about what they eat.  Nothing seems to touch them, they do not struggle like the rest of us.”

    God knowing I struggled in this area purposely put those type of people in my life.  I would be lying if I told you I have overcome my envy, but I have learned how to manage it.  After David struggles with envy he then has one little verse further down in chapter 73 that puts everything in perspective.  One I have memorized and use when I feel weak:

      “But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.” Psalm 73:16-17

    When I recite that verse my heart grieves, because I have some loved ones who do not struggle here on earth, but they do not know God’s salvation.

      “Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.” Psalm 49:16-17

    As soon as I remember that verse my heart goes from envy to sadness for the people around me who don’t know Jesus.  One of the things I think Satan likes to do, is trap people in a comfortable lifestyle.  In their worry free, financially blessed, comfortable lifestyle, they have no need for a Savior.  And that my friends makes me weep.

    Since I am having sprinklers installed this week, I am happily off to make some Mac & Cheese for dinner tonight, while thanking the Lord for my Salvation and anxiously awaiting his return to bring me home.

    How about you? Do any of you have the same struggles, if so how do you manages those thoughts?

    I could write a completely different post on why Lord do you bring suffering upon the same family more than once…but that will be for another time.

    Photo by: Remon Rijper