March 18 ~ Psalm 37:3-8
Trust the LORD and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe. Do what the LORD wants, and he will give you your heart's desire. Let the LORD lead you and trust him to help. Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right. Be patient and trust the LORD. Don't let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things. Don't be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you stopped to notice lately how many celebrities are hitting rock bottom? Addictions of all sorts plague them… long term relationships are almost non-existent… they end up in bankruptcy court and some even fall so far they take their own life – or lose it because of carelessness and the activities that consume them. So why do we sometimes aspire to be like these people? Why do we look at them and say, “Well THEY are doing it and getting rich, or THEY have all the luck.” Really?
We don’t often hear the “real-life stories” of those who are living right and trusting the Lord and how He delivered them, but I assure you, they are out there. And “Spiritual success stories” exist in your own community. Maybe you know someone who made a difficult choice and passed up what seemed like a great deal, lots of money, or the “chance of a lifetime.” But their prayerful consideration led them to believe God wanted them to do something else. I know a teacher who was once a successful sales manager for several states, but he felt God calling him to the classroom. I know others who sold their home, packed up their belongings, and moved into a small apartment in another city to start an urban ministry, because they felt God calling them to do so. I know people who gave up their vacation to do mission work in Costa Rica and other areas of need. They could have chosen to go to the beach and relax for a week, but instead, they chose to spend the time building needed facilities for a poor community and sharing God’s love with its people.
I could go on, but you get the picture. When we trust in God, and live right, even when it isn’t easy or fun, He blesses us. It may seem like the “sinners” have all the fun, but I assure you, they do not… and certainly not for the long haul. We’re heading into spring break for many. It is a time when there is always a lot of temptation to party all week and sorta go nuts. It’s all in good fun, right? It’s just one week, right? Let me tell you – a lot can happen in a week – both good and bad. Trust God to show you how to spend your spring break. If He tells you to go to the beach with your friends, ask Him how you should conduct yourself while you are there… and live right.
Whatever challenges and choices you face in life, be patient. This spring break – and beyond - don’t be angry with those who choose to do things you do not… and don’t be critical. Just stand firm, trust God, and stay safe, knowing that in the end, God will bless you and your efforts. The land will be yours, and God will show you that you made the right choices.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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