March 18, 2019
Stop Looking Around
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
Don’t turn to the right or to the left. (Proverbs 4:27, CSB)
Friend to Friend
Knowing her soul was filled with sorrow, I sent my girlfriend a few texts with links to worship songs, hoping they would cushion her grieving heart with comfort. A while later she responded. Listening and worshiping. I have death certificates and head stones here, but we know that he has eternal life and the glory of God all around him. For that, I will ever praise the Lord.
The funeral had passed, but the sting of the death was still fresh and fierce. At the hand of a tragic, senseless accident, her young-adult son was gone in an instant. Shockwaves of horror ripped through the community, leaving thousands with a raw reminder of the frailty of life.
One treasure in the darkness of this horrific loss is this: my friend grieves with hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13) She and her family lament knowing full well that the ashes of death for a believer transition to the perfect beauty of God’s presence.
Faith in Jesus breathes hope. Life eternal.
Faith in riches… wealth… things of earth breathes hopelessness and death. And sadly, many among us place earthly treasures above the unsearchable greatness of God. The Word speaks directly to this in Psalm 49.
“For all can see that the wise die, that the foolish and the senseless also perish, leaving their wealth to others.” (Psalm 49:10)
It’s said there are two things no one can avoid: death and taxes.
Psalm 49 gets a bit icky by tabling the uncomfortable topic of the unavoidable date we all have with death. The questions that rise in my heart as I read Psalm 49 are ones of trust. Will I trust in my position, my possessions, and myself or will I trust in God? Will I trust that God really is who His Word says He is?
“People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.” (Psalm 49:12-13)
I’m reminded to stop looking around at the blessings or wealth of others.
“Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil.” (Proverbs 4:27)
Ain’t no U-Haul following a hearse, right?
Worldly prosperity versus godly prosperity?
Trust in yourself or trust in God?
As believers, we can trust that God will redeem every ounce of pain when our last day comes. And when that happens, we won’t care anymore about the trappings of this world. We will finally be at peace.
Those who misplace their trust in wealth do not know this hope.
With this in mind, let’s keep our eyes on what matters and live boldly today to share the wonder of grace with all we meet.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, You are the Author of Life and the giver of each day. Help me to trust You when life hurts. Help me to worship whether I have much or little.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What are you trusting in?
Where are your eyes fixed?
More from the Girlfriends.
If you want to read and study the Bible, but don’t know where to start, this is for you! Girlfriends in God cofounder Gwen Smith has several online Bible Study options that will guide you on a personal journey with the Lord as you read, record, reflect on and respond to His Word. These studies will help you know what God says about tender topics like forgiveness, healing, fear, depression, relationships and hope. Each study can be done in the comfort of your home and in a timeframe that fits with your personal schedule. Visit www.GwenSmith.net/BibleStudy to learn more.
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