“But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:2,3)
Complaining is a dangerous form of self-pity. Left unchecked it sets us up to unlawfully take what we’ve sorrowed over not having. Contentment and thanksgiving guard the heart.
When the god of this world would show us how little we have of all the good things of the world, we must remind him of what we presently have. Not only has God blessed us with many precious things in this life, but above all, we have His very own presence to cheer and to guide. “Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.” (Psalm 73:23)
Even young men, filled with so many desires for the good things of this life, are advised to be on guard against sorrowing over unfulfilled desires and dreams. “Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.” (Eccl. 11:10)
The serpent tempted Eve by focusing her on what she didn’t have. Covetousness always wants more. God calls us to be content with what we presently have. He can always give us more, but He uses the tests in a day of want to prove our heart. Is He our chief joy and treasure?
We can live without the most appealing fruit in the garden, but we can’t live without God.