Spirit of Envy and More Grace

James 4:5-6a “Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit He caused to live in us tends toward envy, but He gives more grace?”
The note at the bottom of the page in the NIV also says, “Or, God jealously longs for the spirit that He made to live in us.”

            Lord, You placed within Adam and Eve a spirit that was made to love and trust You.  Since they fell due to the envy Satan, the original envier, brought out of Eve, we all now have a spirit that tends toward envy.  When “self” is on the throne of my life I do not trust You to give me what is right for me.  This causes me to look at what others have and desire more, or different, things for ME.  When I allow You to be on the throne and look to You for my needs, I am happy, content, and fulfilled.  Oh, Lord, I want You to remain on the throne!

            Lord, I cannot thank You enough for Your grace in my life.  Without it I would have, and would be, undone.  Why You give grace is still a mystery to me.  But that is what makes You God not me.  Your unconditional love for me is humbling and very welcome.  Lord, help me to be gracious with those around me.  Thank You for the grace You gave me to extend to the young man who almost ran over me in the parking lot yesterday.  He almost sent me to glory, but You were not willing yet.  You gave me grace and kindness to give to him (instead of anger and bitterness), that I didn’t know I would have in such a situation and I thank You for that.