Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 37:1-9
Ps 37:1-9
1 Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil. 9 For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
Matt 6:20-21
20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Just because a person is financially successful does not mean that he/she is pleasing to God. The world has always assumed that wealth shows the favor of God (or the gods) on the one who has the material possessions. Because we can see all of the things of this world being accumulated by someone, we forget that they are temporary and are all passing away eventually.
The friends of Job “knew” that he had done evil because of all the troubles that had come upon him. They could see his children had been killed and that his possessions had been lost and this was absolute proof in their minds that God had abandoned him and was punishing him for his sin. Where they failed was in not seeing the unseen and not knowing what was going on behind the scenes in the spiritual world. His trials were because of his faith and righteousness, not his sin.
God does take care of his own. God does provide a way of escape when we are tempted. God does keep his promises to bless those who serve him. But all of this has to be understood that our ultimate good and the greatest blessing that he has to offer us, is not things in this world but eternal life in his presence.
Heavenly Father I am so thankful for all you have done for me in my life. Thank you for the opportunity to grow up and live in this great nation where I can enjoy so many freedoms that many in the world cannot even imagine. Thank you for giving me parents who loved you and who sought to teach me to serve you. I am so grateful for my wife who has helped me remain faithful and focused on serving you. Use me to encourage those who are struggling. Be with your people who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ. I pray in Jesus name.
Robert
