Not I, but Him

Psalms chapter 73 verse 1 and 2.
"How good God is to Israel---to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I am so close to the cliff! My feet were slipping and I was almost gone.

Psalms chapter 73 verse 3-6.
"For I was envious of the prosperity of the proud and wicked. Yes all through life their road is smooth! They grow sleek and fat. They are not always in trouble and plagued with problems like everyone else, so their pride sparkles like a jeweled necklace, and their clothing is woven of cruelty."


   It seems kinda harsh to categorize all people as greedy and selfish. It is true that we need to provide and it is true that some work harder than others to be achievers. There is those who have more than others and they can also be judgmental about what they have compared to others. Some may not even think they are guilty of judging others. Yet they have their stuff and they protect it from being taken away.
   We all work hard to get what we have, so why not protect it? God does bless those who are hard workers and they know that it is He who has given them their blessings. He loves those whose eyes are on Him, thankful and seeking His direction.
   Yet there is still unbelief and criticism from people who reject God and Jesus. They may seem to have it all together but when it comes to being happy, it is them and them alone. They have to work hard to provide what they have. No one else is going to do it for them and they harden their hearts determined to be the independent person.
   Maybe you are undecided about who God is. Maybe you can't totally believe in a Creator and a Son who was brutally crucified and then rose from death. We are told He did this of His own free will so that all people, no matter who they are or what kind of life they are living, can come to God and be welcomed into His family.
   Or maybe you are a believer and you know God watches over you and Jesus is your Savior. You live every day in joy, with the confidence of being guided by God. You want so bad to tell everyone. People around you know your beliefs, but you are aware of criticism caused by those who do not want to acknowledge your feelings. So instead of pushing your life style on others you wait patiently, serving lovingly and prepared to share your love for Jesus with those who become curious. 
   It is so easy to want the good things of this world. A house, a car, a family. Vacations filled with good food, drink and fun. In order to have what you want, you must be prepared to work hard to achieve your goals. You can't have everything you want without having a good job and it has to be something you enjoy doing. Do you see the trend here? The good things of life are all hinged on your having joy at what you are doing.
   And it is through your joy and success that you begin to see Jesus and God's blessings. If you are living in bitterness, always cautious of what the other guy is doing and wanting what they have, then you are going to be stuck in a rut. Take a close look at your life and ask yourself what is it I can do to improve. Maybe education, maybe direction from someone else. Now would be the time for me to mention Jesus.
   If you are down and if you are in a rut. If there is a lack of love in your life. Try talking to Jesus. The bible will tell you His story. The world already has it's fair share of people who are lost and struggle with happiness. There is peace and an everlasting joy being offered to you by God. You choose how your day starts. Try saying good morning to God and ask Him to guide your day.
   You really need to expect Him to be with you. That means you need to look for Him in the things you are doing throughout your day. You need to be thankful to Him. Try it, test Him. All that can happen is you meet Jesus and experience His joy.
   Jesus will be there with you always. It is the joy of life with Him that makes everyday tolerable. It is because you are not alone to deal with temptation and sadness. You are not alone to share in glory and thanksgiving. You can at any time turn and thank God for being with you. And you will know His presence and joy through the happiness you experience and feel.
   You can ask Him about anything and He will direct you. Listen close and follow after His lead. Try your hardest to have patience and abide by His word. Read the bible, study with other believers. Talk about Him and understand who He is and His plan for you. Your heart will be filled with love and peace.
Thank you Father for Jesus. Thank you that you are there available to all people. Thank you for the stories I get to tell others of how you are always with us. 😊


Psalms chapter 73 verses 7-9.
"These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff at God and threaten His people. How proudly they speak! They boast against the very heavens and their words strut through the earth."

Psalms chapter 73 verses 10-12.
And so God's people are dismayed and confused and drink it all in. "Does God realize what is going on?" they ask. "Look at these men of arrogance; they never have to lift a finger---theirs is a life of ease; and all the time their riches multiply."

Psalms chapter 73 verses 13 and 14.
"Have I been wasting my time? Why take the trouble to be pure? All I get out of it is trouble and woe---everyday and all day long!"

Psalms chapter 73 verses 20-24.
"Their present life is only a dream! They will awaken to the truth as one awakens from a dream of things that never really were! When I saw this, what turmoil filled my heart! I saw myself so stupid and ignorant; I must seem like an animal to You, O God. But even so, You love me! You are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me with Your wisdom and counsel; and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven!

Psalm chapter 32 verses 10 and 11.
"Many sorrows come to the wicked, but abiding love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. So rejoice in Him, all those who are His, and shout for joy, all those who try to obey Him."