When
we look around at those who live in the wealthy part of town, we are often
envious of the prosperity that these individuals enjoy (Psalm 73:3). Many of
them live a depraved life; yet it seems that God does not hold them accountable
for their sinful lifestyle (Matthew 5:45).
Some
of these carnal people slide through life without paying any consequence for
their decisions, and reaping the rewards of their depraved endeavors. Yet, many
who live righteously are weary, deprived of this world's goods, and shop at
thrift stores instead of the mall.
However,
we do not need to envy the wicked, because they eventually fade like grass and
the flowers of spring. As we continually trust only in the Lord, and take
delight in Him, He gives us His desires in our heart (Psalm 73).
God
makes our innocence to shine like the dawn, and our righteousness to radiate
like the sun at noon. We are always in God's presence, and we wait patiently
for Him to act on our behalf. He is our Jehovah Jireh - our Provider.
Some
of the wicked even plot against, curse and defy the righteous; but the Lord
just laughs at their attempts to defeat us. Even though the wicked wait in
ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to harm us; ultimately, the Lord
will not let the wicked succeed.
A
wonderful future awaits those who love and live for God, but the rebellious
will be destroyed; they have no future. At times, we see wicked and ruthless
people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. But when we look again, they
will be vanquished.
Prayer:
Father
God, sometimes we feel concern about what seems to be Your indifference over
the horrible wickedness rampant in the world, and which will cause even those
who serve You to suffer. Many things seem unjust and unfair to us now, with our
limited vision and understanding. Help us to realize that the judgment of the
wicked will come eventually, so this fact can diffuse our disappointment and
strengthen our soul.
Jesus
promises us that we will have tribulation in this world (John 16:33). He
suffered all of his life too (Hebrews 5:8). In Your timing, show us what will
become clear if we will be patient. Teach us to suspend judgment for a while,
and to have faith in You. Help us to realize that when our vision is blurred,
patience and time are essential elements in restoring our proper perceptions
(Malachi 3:13-18).
Thought
for the Day:
Joseph
testified to his brothers that the evil they had done to him had been turned
into good by the hand of our Father in Heaven; the humble person is consoled in
heaven, but the proud one, who rejects the Lord, suffers eternal pain in hell.
