Which tree are you focusing on?

Listening to a message from Joseph Prince today, he said something that struck me. 

The devil always makes us focus on the one tree God said we couldn't have, when there is a whole garden of trees that we can enjoy.

I thought to myself, am I focusing on the one tree? I have a whole life around me. While it has not been ideal, it is my life and it is the only one I have. Now, that did not make me immediately happy and joyful, but it made me grateful.

I have been depressed and wallowing in what I didn't and couldn't have; focusing on the wrong tree. I have seen people around me being prosper and wondering, where is my prosperity. I have been listening but it seemed the more I listen, the more things have degraded. Finances, relationships, motivation and my faith, they have all suffered.

But through it all, God never left my side. He was always there and even when I began to question and doubt how much Jesus loved me. Today I am writing to say that I still believe. Even though times are hard and little has gone the way I thought it would this month, God is still with me. I have hope, and believe that God can restore my life. 

Another thing from today's message that hit me is that sometimes God delays and often times those delays are for a greater revelation, for our greater benefit. Things have gotten pretty tight this month, but how much more will I praise Jesus when he turns my situation around?

Focus on the right tree. Stop looking at that tree you can't have and focus on the garden around you. The things you do have. Health, dreams, opportunites, family and a God who loves you. Know that he is with you and that this delay is most likely a greater revelation, a greater benefit to you.