I really try to live a life of contentment. Each day begins with thanks to my Heavenly Father for loving me, saving me, and calling me into the ministry. Then I move onto specific blessings of my dear wife, family, etc. and finally for the common graces we are blessed with like lights, water, indoor toilets, food, you get the picture. Intentionally being grateful is one of the foundations of being content.
My mornings are great and then I have to enter the real world. Living where we do we are exposed to some of the wealthiest and all their possessions. Everything seems easy and nothing is out of reach. I must admit that sometimes the sin of jealousy will enter the picture. I genuinely do not their heart but sometimes I feel like David.
Psalm 73:12-14
Behold, these are the wicked;
always at ease, they increase in riches.
All in vain have I kept my heart clean
and washed my hands in innocence.
For all the day long I have been stricken
and rebuked every morning.
Ever feel that way? Ever feel that you do your best and nothing ever seems to right and the wicked prosper? Again I am not saying all wealthy people are wicked. I know plenty that God has richly blessed and they genuinely love the Lord. What I do want to remind of this morning is that our greatest blessings are yet to come.
David goes onto say he returned to the house of the Lord and confessed his sin. He finishes the psalm with this.
Psalm 73:23-28
Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
Amen and Amen!