Don't slip, keep your footing

Week beginning: 10th November, 2019 | By Debbie Woods | Manchester

"Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
…
till I entered the sanctuary of God;

Psalm 73 vv 1-3; 17a (NIV)

The legal profession is highly competitive. How quick we can be in believing the lies Satan first told to Eve in the garden, that God doesn't want the best for us, doesn't love us, perhaps has forgotten us.

Are we tempted to envy those fellow law students who have a training contract or pupillage already sorted? Do we resent clients who are seeming to prosper despite dubious business practices, or who treat others in their family or workplace oppressively? The psalmist was despondent to the point where his feet, or faith, "had almost slipped" v2, until he "entered the sanctuary of God" (v17), focused his gaze heavenwards and was reminded of the amazing blessings that were his. The God of the Universe, who we get to call Father, is with him, holding him by his right hand, guiding him with His counsel, and afterward taking him into glory (v23–24).

We, with Paul, can learn to be content in all circumstances when we "enter the sanctuary of God" and recall our blessing. Let us enter daily through reading His word, speaking to Him in prayer and meeting in the fellowship of believers. "Surely God is good" (v1) to those who trust in the work the Lord Jesus has already done for them on the cross; let us tell of all His deeds.

Prayer Points:

1. Pray that we will focus on the blessings that are ours in Christ and not envy the false attractions of this world.
2. Pray for opportunities this week to tell of His deeds.