Reflect
There is an old saying: “Be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it.” In 1 Samuel the people of Israel demand a king. God warns them against it. A king will tax them, enslave them, even steal their property. But their minds are made up—they want a king. Why? Sometimes a life of faith can feel overwhelming, more like a burden than a gift of grace. Like Israel, we might look around and see that other people seem to have it easier. We may wonder: Why can’t I be like them? But is that really the life we want? A life free from faith and sacrifice? A life free from obligations? A life free from God?
Pray
Lord,
You tell me that your yoke is easy
and your burden is light,
but sometimes the kingdom of God feels like too much,
when all I really want is just the kingdom of my couch!
Renew my spirit, Lord.
Turn my gaze away
from others, and from envy, and let it rest always on you.
True peace, and true rest come not from wealth or ease
but from the life-giving power of your love.
Act
Pay attention to the times and places when you feel envy stirring in your heart. Offer those moments to God. Sit in silence and let God’s presence expand to fill the emptiness you fear.
