But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped, for I was envious of the boastful when I saw the prosperity of the wicked … until I went into the sanctuary of God, then I understood their end. Psalm 73.2,3,17.
Comparison and competition are twin thieves robbing many of their peace and sleep, resulting in more problems than envisaged. Many often feel in a race against time to outdo others and flaunt their achievements, mostly fuelled by insecurity and fear. Does it really matter if someone has something you’ve not got or enjoys certain benefits you wish you had? While our insatiable desires spur us on to succeed at our next challenge, we find out too soon, too late, that nothing and no one can truly satisfy the yearnings of our soul besides God.
I wonder at what point it was when David penned this psalm. Was he envious of Saul while he served him, or maybe the kings of other nations? Sometimes, you wonder if serving God is worth it. You seem to do all the right things, complying with the rules, paying the price, and going the extra mile, but you don’t seem to get ahead while those involved in questionable practices, cutting corners and taking advantage of the system are celebrated and receive accolades. Then, the enemy convinces you certain immoral, idolatrous, or ungodly acts might be ok as long as you don’t get hurt or caught.
David was honest when he said his feet almost stumbled and that he almost took the wrong steps. And if he did, a man after God’s heart, the chances are any of us can get to that point when we weigh our options and explore if following the Lord wholeheartedly is worth it. Sadly, many who are frequent at church events and fluent in Christianese have slipped and stumbled, this doesn’t happen overnight, but a gradual acceptance of the lies from the enemy, that what was once absurd has now become ok, they entertained the several conversations in their mind for so long and finally gave into the lies.
Envy is one powerful emotion we can’t wish away with a magic wand. It’s not just the desire to have what someone else has, but it can quickly degenerate into unbridled anger and resentment if left to fester. How do you know if you struggle with envy? If you cannot celebrate with others, if you continue to avoid or withdraw from certain relationships to avoid cheering others who seem to be in a better position than you or when you share information about certain people to others highlighting why they shouldn’t deserve what they have. We can’t truly love those we are envious of.
David was envious of the boastful when he saw how prosperous the wicked were. We scroll through several social media feeds and we are in awe of the stupendous wealth many possess; they don’t seem to have any problems but project an easy and comfortable life as if they live on another planet. Their families seem not to have any problems, and they get whatever they want at their beck and call. These celebrities make us look silly working hard for a monthly paycheck and feel like we’re wasting our time waiting on God to reward. And many continued to be deceived by the filtered lives displayed online.
We don’t know how long before David realised what a slippery slope the people he envied were on. He had wasted his time comparing himself and possibly trying to compete with those who cared less about him nor God’s plan for his life. The longer we seethe in envy, the harder it will be to pull away; the more ungrateful we will become; the more discontented we will be; the more anger and hatred will overtake our hearts and minds. Envy is a robber; it takes our eyes off what God has done for us, and we become grumpy and ungrateful, angry at God for abandoning us.
Until I went into the sanctuary of God. Something happens to our perspective and priorities when we spend time in God’s presence. Many years ago, there were several things I had hoped to achieve, places I wanted to get to, people I desperately wanted to meet, and milestones I told myself must be achieved before I reached a certain age. And while there was and still isn’t anything wrong with the achievement of these dreams and ambitions, a different perspective has certainly changed the trajectory of my life’s course. I suggest that’s what happened to David.
He asked himself certain questions: Why does this even matter? Why am I bothered by what people have or don’t have? Will having these possessions, positions, and power get me any closer to God or accomplishing His purpose in me? Does the essence of my life really depend on all the world offers? God gave David a glimpse into the end of these boastful and prosperous, but wicked people. They may seem to be successful now and making the headlines, but their end is destruction and desolation. In a moment, their breath will be gone, and all they worked hard to gain will be too.
What will it profit any of us if we gain the entire world, Jesus said, but only to lose our soul? What’s the point of being the celebrated billionaire who seems to have no trouble in this world but ends spending all of eternity in hell? A man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things he possesses. We brought nothing into this world, and will certainly take nothing away. We may hold on tightly to the treasures of this world, but one day when we step out of time into eternity, we will have to let go. Am I living my life to please the Lord or impressing those who won’t determine my eternal destiny?
Lord, please keep my eyes on the cross, my ears tuned to the voice of your Spirit, and my heart ready for your return. Amen.