DO NOT BE ENVIOUS!

Sometimes we feel that life is unfair. We work honestly, try to live righteously, but instead, it seems like cunning people are more successful: their businesses thrive, their decisions are profitable, and they never seem to be ashamed. This situation burdens the heart. We start to envy, to compare, and silently ask, 'Lord, is it worth following You?' Psalm 37 was written for the righteous who were almost giving up seeing the success of the wicked. Therefore, it gives good advice: not to focus on the wicked, but on God who reigns over our time, life, and future.

David wrote firmly, 'Do not be envious ... do not be angry.' Why? Because the success of the wicked is only temporary - like grass that quickly withers. Instead, David gives advice, believe and commit your way to the Lord. Then what is God's promise? He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. This means, when we believe and walk in righteousness, God Himself will be our defender and promoter of our lives.

David's hope was fulfilled in Christ. Christ did not seek human recognition - He entrusted His life to the Father even to the cross. And because of His obedience, God justified and exalted Him. If our hearts start to feel envious or anxious, remember, in Christ we are already accepted, loved, and preserved. We can continue to believe, choose to rejoice in the Lord, not compare ourselves, and choose to surrender our ways to Him. The basis is not our strength, but the finished work of Christ. So live today peacefully: do what is right, remain faithful, and surrender the rest to God. --DSK/www.renunganharian.net