Sweet Tooth

Daily Reading:  Job 20-21

Because he knew no contentment in his belly, he will not let anything in which he delights escape him. (Job 20.20)

Devotional Thought: A few nights ago I set out some “have-a-heart traps” to capture a critter that was invading my garden.  I baited them with marshmallows.  The first night, it didn't work.  When I got up the next morning, the traps were empty - no critters and no marshmallows!  The second night I tied the marshmallows down to the bottom of the cage.  It worked!  I went out the following morning, and I had captured a raccoon!  It seems that my wild friend had a sweet tooth!  The first night's marshmallows only whetted his appetite for more, and he was not about to let those marshmallows escape!  The thing that my raccoon friend didn't want to escape from him, led him into a trap from which he himself couldn't escape.  Sounds familiar.

In today's reading we see that Job's antagonists got this right. Greed and avarice lead to emptiness.  Knowing no contentment, the wicked man discovered that "there was nothing left after he had eaten; therefore his prosperity will not endure" (20.20).

The Bible is filled with warnings about out-of-control appetites.  When we cover up our lives with stuff, when we dull our senses with sensations, we find that we have little appetite for the things of God.  Not only so, but this constant seeking after pleasures and prosperity is never satisfied.  We want more and more and more until we can't escape.  Just one more marshmallow...

We all need to be reminded to "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith..." (Hebrews 12.1-2)

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember the words of the Apostle Paul, "godliness with contentment is great gain."  Help me to seek first the kingdom of God and your righteousness and thereby discover that in you I have all I need.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.169-176

169 Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word!

170 Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word.

171 My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes.

172 My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.

173 Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.

174 I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.

175 Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me.

176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.