Day 189
Psalm 73:2-3
"But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."
It is amazing how our perspectives can change. based on what we see. The psalmist said his steps almost slipped because of envy, when he saw the prosperity of the wicked. This means he was content before he saw something that made him uncomfortable, so his dissatisfaction was not prompted by his distress of present circumstances.
Much of our discontent with our present state centers around what we see or what we have been exposed to. When the winter takes away the greenery from our view, we become accustomed to looking at brown branches stripped of leaves. Then, as spring returns, the hillsides regain their green color. New leaves fonn, and our lawns once again take on a more pleasant appearance. It is so refreshing and pleasant to the eyes to watch this change of scenery. Flowers bloom in a beautiful array of colors, and beautiful birds fly from tree to tree. By the time fall approaches again, we have seen so much color, we do not notice the greenery any more. If someone suggested we look out the window to see some natural beauty, it is unlikely that we would focus on the plush greenery outside. We would probably bypass the grass and trees and look for colorful flowers or birds. What pleases us is relative.
Our fickleness may be why we should heed the words of the songwriter who wrote, "Count your blessings." It is important that we evaluate our discontent. It is usually inappropriate and normally a result of improper focus. Paul and Silas sang praises to God when they were imprisoned and their backs were bleeding, having been beaten by people who hated Jesus. They were not guilty of any wrongdoing. They certainly had an opportunity to become discouraged. Instead of evaluating their circumstances in light of what wicked people were enjoying outside the prison doors, they focused on the goodness of God, which was still evident to them. God was tickled by it and set them free supernaturally.
Those of us who lived before air conditioning are more uncomfortable with hot weather, now that we have been exposed to the modem convenience of artificially cooled air. We are more discontent when our phones are out of order, because we are accustomed to their convenience. However, people can live most of their lives without a phone and deal with the inconvenience when they cannot reach someone. These same people would have far more anxiety over the identical situation after getting used to modem means of communication.
We should be grateful for all the conveniences we have. It is not necessary to pretend we do not see our neighbor's better car, their house or other material things. We must simply put everything in proper perspective and obey the Bible. I Thessalonians 5:16 says "Rejoice evermore." Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." Ephesians 5:20 says, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." I Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. God wants us to keep our joy stirred up. He wants us to be constantly thankful for all the things He has provided for us and done for us. Let us do the Word.
I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be thankful continually for all God has done in the midst of all circumstances - pleasant or unpleasant.