Jul 04

Youth and money can be seen as particular instances of a broader category of life that can be called simply desire.

All of us have many desires in life. We want this, we want that. The longings of the worldly are for the things of this world, while those of believers are for things not of this world. Which group, do you suppose, ultimately finds and keeps that which is desired?

Sometimes, we look around at the way the rich of this world seem to have it so easy and have all their desires fulfilled, but two things are worth remembering when this happens.

First, if they got their desires fulfilled by wrong means, they will be judged by God for this and lose not only what they once enjoyed, but lose their very souls as well.

Second, whatever it was that their hearts desired in this world and which the world provided, they never knew the far deeper satisfaction that comes from knowing God. Their pleasures were shallow and short-lived, while those of the righteous last forever.

Yes, even the desires of the wicked shall perish, while those of the righteous are satisfied in the Lord. The dramatic difference between these final two outcomes is seen in the Scripture readings for today.

Scripture for today: Psalm 112:10; Psalm 37:4
Thought for today: God is the deepest longing of the heart fulfilled.
Prayer for today: Thank you, Lord, for giving me the desire of my heart -- you.

JUL 04