At Times When I Don’t Get It
by L.A. Taylor
“Do not let your heart envy sinners,
But live in the]fear of the Lord always”
(Proverbs 23:17).
At times we all suffer from FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). We compare our lives with others and it looks blah. If we saints dared admit it, we sometimes think, “Wow, those sinners sure are having a lot of fun.”
It’s okay. You can admit it. God already knows your heart.
The psalmist Asaph, a leader in David’s choir, thought so too. In Psalm 73 he wrote, “For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness… These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! … Look at these wicked people enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.”
Does this sound familiar? The fat cats carouse all night then wake to wealth and plentiful followers, while you struggle to get one “like” about that encouraging scripture you posted.
The promotion of the proud and wicked can cause you to wonder why the saints aren’t as successful. Why do we suffer while others are living like the devil – and winning? Or as the psalmist questioned in Psalm 73:13, “Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?”
The tension we experience isn’t new. It’s been trending since before Christ and long before Facebook.
But we have hope. Jesus said in Mark 10:29-31 that what we have left behind (people, land, etc.) for God’s glory will be multiplied a hundred times “in this present age.” We don’t even have to wait until we get to heaven.
That’s his promise.
We can always trust in our good Father. Like David, who confessed in Psalm 27:13, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” God has a multitude of blessings in store for believers, here and in the afterlife.
So wait. Be strong. Take courage. Forget all foolish thoughts and patiently endure. For many who are first, living life recklessly will be last, and many last will be first. Hallelujah!
Father God, at times, I feel confused and envious. Please cleanse my heart of every root of bitterness. Lord, guide me by Your Spirit. Help me rejoice in sharing your Word, rich in grace and mercy; supplying me with the patience to continue. Thank You for hearing my prayer, and I trust You to prosper me as I keep my focus on You. In Jesus’name. Amen.
L.A. Taylor is an author; advocate for special needs families; blogger; and intentionally, a daughter of God. She reigns from Ocala, Florida – where the south is different, y’all – and, currently spends most mornings writing about her hometown in an up-and-coming contemporary novel, “Anghelica.” In the evenings and on weekends she enjoys making memories with family and friends.
Additional Scriptures:
Psalm 73 NLT
Psalm 34:18 -22 NASB
3John 2 NLT
Love this devotional!
Correction: “That’s His promise.”
A Word that is timeless and much needed in this day of social media!!
I totally agree with Naarah
If people would admit it, tis thought often crosses our minds when we observe what seems to be unfair treatment. We should Nye happy the The Divine Giver of Grace is still right here with us gracing us as only He can!!! The wicked get all they can get here. We have eternity to enjoy all that The Father has prepared us! WOW! Now I GET IT!!! TYVM