
Psalm 73:2-3 says, "But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness." One of the ways that Satan tempts us to walk away from God is to lure us to desire to have the same wealth, fame, and power as the wicked. When our hearts are captivated by the material things of this world and begin to consume us, we will become envious and forget who we are in our Lord Jesus. One of the youth ministers that I know told me that he had a youth in his church who became a criminal gangster because he wanted to be like the ones that he saw in TikTok flashing money and guns. The youth is in jail now for murdering someone. This sad story can be an extreme example, but everything that we envy or want to have at all costs in this world can be a snare or a trap for us.Â
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The Psalmist of this Psalm described how he almost lost his footing and was almost swept away by envying the success of the proud despite the wickedness. Psalm 73:4-5, the Psalmist continued to say, "They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don't have troubles like other people." When we see the material possessions, the influence, and the lifestyle of corrupt people, it looks like they have it all together. Many third-world countries are suffering because of corrupt officials, yet many people want to become like them because of the worldly benefits. However, as believers of our Lord Jesus, we need to guard our hearts and minds from envying the success of the wicked because, in due time, they will reap the result of their wickedness.
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Let us examine our hearts to see if we harbor envy. Let us guard our hearts from envy and be content with what God has given us. Let us be faithful to do good and live honestly, for God blesses those who walk in His ways.Â
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Questions for application:Â (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.)Â Is there any envy in my heart that I need to confess to God? Why is it dangerous for me to envy the success of the wicked? What should be my attitude as a child of God?
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Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
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Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, please guard my heart from envy. Please help me to be content and always be thankful for all the things that you have given me. Please help me to always do good and live honestly. Thank you for always being there to provide everything that I need. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.Â
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