Psalm 37:14-22
New Living Translation (NLT)
14 The wicked draw their swords
and string their bows
to kill the poor and the oppressed,
to slaughter those who do right.
15 But their swords will stab their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.
16 It is better to be godly and have little
than to be evil and rich.
17 For the strength of the wicked will be shattered,
but the Lord takes care of the godly.
18 Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent,
and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever.
19 They will not be disgraced in hard times;
even in famine they will have more than enough.
20 But the wicked will die.
The Lord’s enemies are like flowers in a field—
they will disappear like smoke.
21 The wicked borrow and never repay,
but the godly are generous givers.
22 Those the Lord blesses will possess the land,
but those he curses will die.
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Delayed gratification is a hard message for us to abide by. It's hard to pass up immediate pleasure in the anticipation of future rewards. We want to have plenty now, and suffering in the hopes of future gain is so very difficult, especially when everyone around us seems to be reaping their rewards now.
But God teaches us that we have eternity before us, and that denying ourselves some small pleasure now is the wise thing, because what we gain far exceeds what we give up. But it's not easy. Anyone who tells you that it is easy is a liar. It's so tempting to reach for gratification today and not even think about tomorrow or the distant future.
But don't get distracted. Stay focused on God. When temptation whispers in your ear or shouts from the street, remember the promises of God. He will be faithful. May we strive for faithfulness, too.
May God strengthen you today
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