Tag: FaithInTrials

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)

October 27, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Lessons from Fallen Trees

Opening Verse

“If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.” — Ecclesiastes 11:3 (KJV)

Introduction

In the forest, when a mighty tree falls, it impacts everything around it. The space it once filled, the shade it provided, and the animals it sheltered are affected. Similarly, when our faith wavers or when circumstances in life cause us to “fall,” there are consequences. But through Christ, even our fallen places can serve a purpose.

Devotional Story

Once, a man hiking in the woods came across a large tree that had fallen after a storm. It lay stretched across the ground, its mighty roots exposed, and smaller plants had already begun growing in the fertile soil around it. At first, he felt sadness for the loss of the tree, but as he looked closer, he noticed new life springing up from its decay. A fallen tree wasn’t just an end; it was the beginning of a new ecosystem.

Similarly, in our lives, there are moments when we feel like that fallen tree—struck down by trials, losses, or sins that expose our vulnerabilities. But God doesn’t leave us there. Like that fallen tree nurturing new growth, our hardships and falls can become the fertile ground for new life in Christ.

What This Means

Just as God uses fallen trees to give life to the forest floor, He uses our moments of weakness and failure to bring forth new growth in our spirits. When we stumble, we can either stay down, or we can allow God to redeem our “fallen” moments. In doing so, He shows us that nothing is wasted in His hands—not even our failures.

Think About This

  1. Reflect on a time when you felt “fallen” in life. How did God use that time to teach you something new or to bring about growth?
  2. Are there any areas in your life where you still feel like a fallen tree, waiting for new life? Consider how surrendering these areas to God might invite His restoration.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who turns even our weakest moments into opportunities for growth. Like a fallen tree that gives life to the forest floor, help us to trust that our failures and hardships can be transformed in Your hands. Teach us to lean on You, knowing that even when we feel broken, You are at work bringing forth something new. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” — Proverbs 24:16 (KJV)