Psalm 37:34-40  

Hope in the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it. I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found. Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for the wicked. The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

David said that during his life he watched “a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree.” Doesn’t seem fair, does it? But, in this passage, David works to move us from judging others into the presence of the Judge. There is no future for the wicked. They will be destroyed. But a future awaits the child of God who seeks peace.

Comparing ourselves to others is a losing proposition. Discouragement comes if we feel we are behind. Pride shows up when we believe we are ahead.  Keeping our eyes on the Lord should be the believer’s vision. Salvation comes from Him. He is our “stronghold in time of trouble.” He helps us and delivers us. He alone is our refuge.

So…here’s my challenge. Take a piece of paper and write down the name of a person who by wicked and ruthless means gets ahead. Now…in a safe place…put that paper to the flames. As it burns away turn your focus to the Lord. He is the final Judge to whom we must give an account. Envy is a futile way to burn energy. Let’s set our hearts on selling out in service to Christ.

Father, forgive my envy and jealousy. Turn my heart toward You. Help me use my mental, emotional, and physical energy to honor and serve You alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.