Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Psalm 119:35-37
As I have pointed out previously, anger is enemy number one of love. Our hearts are so quickly filled by anger so as to crush any hope of love. There is another enemy which can grow like a cancer within our hearts preventing any hope of feeling true love. That enemy is covetousness. Much like anger it begins with a thought or desire deep within our hearts and then grows until it destroys joy, love and hope. It is very subtle at the beginning. We may look at something and just for a moment desire that it was ours. We may see a couple in love and wish that was ours. We may see another who has a nicer home or car and wish it was ours. Someone may have a better position, better grades, greater success, better health, and the list goes on. Whatever it might be, a small seed of discontent starts within our heart which can grow rapidly creating doubt, fear, and depression; while at the same time choking out any signs of love within our feeble hearts. It is no wonder, “Do Not Covet” is one of the 10 commandments. (Exodus 20:17)
To covet is defined as to yearn to possess or have something. That can be anything!! Then when we don’t have it and we see someone else who does, we become jealous or envious. We wonder why “God loves them better. Why would they have that? Haven’t I been faithful?” If we look at the apostles, this too was evident within their hearts. They were always wanting to know who would be greater, sit closer to Jesus, or suffer less. Paul even spoke of his own struggles with coveting in Romans 7. So, how do we destroy the cancer of coveting; so, that we might know the joy of having hearts filled with love? Faith!! Faith is the key. Let me help you to understand this; as this is a lesson I too must often go back for a refresher course. A seed I often need to destroy before it takes root in my own heart.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear…. for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:1-6
So the real question becomes do I believe that God is the creator of the Universe and His plan for me is good. Do I believe the promises of God or don’t I? If I truly believe that God knows what is best for me; then, why would I ever want any other plan?
Do I believe…..
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. Jeremiah 29:11-12
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
In other words, do I believe that God’s Sustaining Grace is always providing for me that which will give me the greatest Joy in Him? Do I trust that He who created me, knows my heart and knows how to bring me into the fullness of His Love, Joy, and Glory? If so, then how can I want anything other than what He has provided for me each day and trust in what He will give me tomorrow?
CONCLUSION
So, how do I destroy the seeds of covetousness in my own heart? By feasting upon His Word, His promises, and spending time alone in prayer with Him. Let me pray as did David “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.” (Psalm 119:36)
[bctt tweet=”When we allow seeds of discontent to grow; love dies” username=”effiedarlene”] [bctt tweet=”Faith says, God knows what is best; I trust His Plan to bring me into Rivers of Joy in Him. ” username=”effiedarlene”]
The song I chose for you today is I Will Trust in You
Original picture courtesy of https://unsplash.com/erondu
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.