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)

“Mud Out Your Eyes” – Seeing Through God’s Truth

Opening Verse

“And he said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”
(John 9:7, KJV)

Introduction

Sometimes, our spiritual vision is clouded by the “mud” of life—distractions, doubts, and sin. But as Jesus demonstrated with the blind man, even mud can be part of a divine process for bringing clarity and sight. What does it mean to let God “mud out” our eyes so we can truly see?

Devotional Story

There was a man named Greg who prided himself on being rational and self-reliant. He saw faith as a crutch for the weak. But when his life took an unexpected turn—a failed business, broken relationships, and depression—Greg felt blind and lost.

One day, an old friend invited him to a church service. Reluctantly, Greg went. The sermon was on John 9, where Jesus healed the man born blind by applying mud to his eyes. The preacher explained, “Sometimes God uses the mess in our lives to open our eyes to His truth.”

Those words hit Greg’s heart like a hammer. For the first time, he understood that his struggles weren’t punishments but invitations to see life from God’s perspective. Greg prayed that day, asking Jesus to “wash his eyes” so he could see clearly.

Slowly, Greg’s life changed. He stopped relying on his strength and began trusting God’s direction. What had once been “mud” became the foundation for his spiritual awakening.

What This Means

The “mud” in your life—failures, struggles, or even sin—doesn’t have to keep you blind. Just as Jesus instructed the blind man to wash in the pool of Siloam, He invites us to let Him cleanse our hearts and minds so we can see life with His clarity and purpose.

Think About This

  • Are there areas in your life where you feel “blind” or stuck?
  • Have you asked God to help you see His truth through your current challenges?
  • How might the “mud” in your life be part of God’s plan to draw you closer to Him?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I confess that there are times when my vision is clouded by doubt, fear, and sin. Use even the muddy moments in my life to open my eyes to Your truth. Wash me clean, and help me see the world through Your eyes of grace, love, and purpose. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”
(Psalm 119:18, KJV)