Personal Application:
“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long….Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Psalm 32:3, 5). Confess your struggles with envy to God. Need help treasuring who you are and the life you’ve been given? Talk with your pastor or a counselor.
Family Activity:
Read Psalm 23. Use the Internet, books and other resources to research shepherds and sheep. List what each is like, and discuss why David chose, in this psalm, to name the Lord his shepherd. As a “sheep,” what were David’s needs? When he wrote, “I shall not be in want,” what did he mean? As a family, create a list of your needs. Would any of them fit better in a list entitled “Wants”? Discuss the differences between David’s message and what today’s media and society say about needs and wants. How do you feel when friends have items on your “want” list? Are you able to look at the needs God meets for you and thank God for those? Pray, asking God for a spirit of gratitude and grace.
Prayer:
O God who gives us all we need and more, thank you for the blessings in my life. Forgive me for comparing the gifts you give me with those you give anyone else. Help me to love others with a love that delights in the good things in their lives and bless them with my prayers. In Jesus name, Amen.
