Scripture Reading: Psalm 84

One of the biggest reasons we often get sidetracked and derailed from God’s purpose and God’s best for our lives is that we spend too much time focusing on the horizontal instead of the vertical. What do I mean? Simply that we spend too much time comparing our circumstances, our blessings, our calling in life with those around us, when in fact, we should be looking up at who God is and all that we have in him. Envy is not only a waste of time (it solves nothing), but it actually destroys our souls because it causes us to have a distorted view of God’s goodness and wisdom—that he doesn’t know what we need or that he’s a stingy God.

The truth of the matter is that God is neither stingy or unknowing, but that we’re not tapping into the full extent of God’s grace and riches that are available to us daily. There’s really no comparison between the riches of this world and the riches of a life tethered to God. The riches of this life are temporary; a relationship with God is eternal. The success of this life is fleeting and elusive; to be called “beloved son or daughter of God” lasts forever and is your identity in Christ. The approval of people might feel good in a moment, but the love of the God who created you is forever transforming.

Stop looking horizontally for your soul’s satisfaction, and start looking vertically to the only true God who can actually satisfy. Instead of focusing on why your life might not be as you want it to be right now, focus on the blessing of knowing that God is faithful in giving you all the grace you need today and forever. More than anything or anyone else, seek him as your greatest desire today