Tag: envy

April 23, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

When Envy Clouds the Heart

Opening Verse

“For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
Psalm 73:3 (KJV)

Introduction

It’s easy to stumble when we look at the world and see the wicked prosper. The heart cries out, “Why do they get away with so much?” But Psalm 73 leads us through this very struggle. It begins with confusion and ends with clarity.

Devotional Story

There was a man who worked hard every day, lived honestly, tithed faithfully, but life seemed stuck. Bills piled up, promotions never came, and sickness lingered in his home. Meanwhile, his co-worker, who cut corners, lied, and mocked God, seemed to thrive. New cars. Expensive vacations. Praise from management.

Bitterness crept in. “What’s the point of living right?” he muttered one evening, tossing his Bible aside. He didn’t pray. He didn’t sing. He just sat in silence.

That night, he couldn’t sleep. His thoughts raced, but none brought peace. Eventually, he picked up his Bible again and read Psalm 73.

When he came to verse 17, something shifted:
“Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.”

In that moment, he saw it clearly. The prosperity of the wicked is short-lived. Without God, it ends in destruction. But suffering with God leads to eternal glory.

The next morning, he rose with new strength. Not because his circumstances had changed, but because his focus had.

What This Means

Psalm 73 reminds us not to envy the wicked. Their success is temporary. Their ease is fragile. But those who walk with God—no matter how hard the path—are held by His hand and guided by His counsel. Don’t measure your life by earthly standards. The presence of God is worth more than all this world can offer.

Think About This

Are you tempted to compare your life to others who seem to succeed without God? Be careful. That path leads to bitterness. Look again to the sanctuary of God—there, your vision will be corrected, your hope restored, and your steps strengthened.

Prayer

Lord, I confess that I have been tempted to envy those who do wrong and still prosper. Forgive me for looking at the world instead of keeping my eyes on You. Teach me to treasure Your presence above all. Remind me that You are my portion forever, and that is more than enough. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
Psalm 73:26 (KJV)

September 3, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Be Watchful for the Enemy’s Tactics

Opening Verse

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8

Introduction

The devil often seeks to disrupt the lives of believers by using various schemes and strategies. One of the ways he does this is by causing us to focus on the blessings of others, either to make us envious or to distract us from what God is doing in our own lives. This can lead to a blindness that hinders our spiritual growth and prevents us from receiving the fullness of God’s blessings.

Devotional Story

There was a woman named Miriam who loved the Lord and tried to live faithfully. However, she found herself constantly comparing her life to others around her. When her friend received a promotion at work, Miriam couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy, even though she knew she should be happy for her friend. As time passed, Miriam noticed that these feelings were growing stronger. Instead of focusing on her own walk with God, she was consumed with thoughts of why others seemed to be more blessed.

One day, while praying, Miriam felt convicted. She realized that her constant comparison was blinding her to the blessings God had already given her. She asked God for forgiveness and for the strength to focus on her own journey. As she let go of envy, Miriam began to see how God had been working in her life all along, in ways she had previously overlooked.

What This Means

The enemy can use the blessings of others as a tool to make us feel inadequate or forgotten by God. When we focus too much on what others have, we can become blind to what God is doing in our own lives. This can hinder our ability to receive His blessings because our hearts are not in the right place. It’s important to remember that God’s blessings are tailored to each of us individually, and what He has for you is just as valuable as what He gives to someone else.

Think About This

Is there an area in your life where you’ve been focusing too much on the blessings of others? Have you allowed envy or comparison to blind you to God’s goodness in your own life? Ask God to open your eyes to His work in your life and to help you stay focused on your unique journey with Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’ve allowed envy and comparison to take root in my heart. Help me to keep my eyes on You and to trust that You are working all things together for my good. Open my eyes to see Your blessings in my life and give me a heart of gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:6