If you're like me, you feel tempted on days like today to think that stuff = joy. Keeping up with the Joneses is the great American Holiday tradition. But before you give that lady the flying elbow for the underpriced LCD TV, just have a quick read...

But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked ... But when I thought how to understand this it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God, then I discerned their end ... When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.

Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Selections from Psalm 73