Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. (Psalm 62:9-10 ESV)

People often value others based on what they have or don’t have. Some who are poor resent the rich. At times the rich look down on the poor. Here David makes no distinction between the two. The poor are but a breath–here today, gone tomorrow. The rich are a delusion–their riches lull them into a false sense of security. As a matter of fact, David says if you put the rich and the poor together, they are lighter than a breath.

Then the psalmist makes a surprising statement: Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery. Why would anyone trust extortion? Who would use the word hope with robbery!

Desperation causes us to think and do crazy things. Prisons are full of people who set their hopes on robbery. Most people look at them and think, “How foolish. What were you thinking?”  Until David finishes his sentence…if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

You may not be in a prison for robbing a convenience store, but some of you are in a prison of your own making. This Christmas your heart is set on things, on what you can get, on that anticipated gift. You rush to make one more dollar, buy one more gift, satisfy one more craving of your heart. In 2014 you’ve earned more more than ever before…and you’re still unsatisfied.

Why? Look back at verse 1: For God alone my soul waits in silence. If you long for anything or anyone more than God you will be disappointed. Today, take an inventory of your life. Do you long for God? Do you long to spend time with Him? Do you long to hear His voice, to pray to Him, to read His Word. If not, be honest about it. Confess your lax attitude. Repent of your vain hopes. Seek God. He will be found by you!