Uneasy Rests the Crown
We assume it is good to be a king. He has power, great riches and people vying for his attention. While this may be so, the king is also a regular target of those constantly trying to steal his wealth and usurp his power. The truth is, with all his riches and power; he cannot buy privacy or peace of mind.
We wrongly assume that if we reach our personal aspirations of attaining fame, power or riches, happiness will follow. We think our problems will easily be solved, that people will finally recognize and celebrate our success and we can cruise along enjoying our prosperity and applause. Regrettably, this is usually the start of our problems, the beginnings of misery and a time of numerous personal attacks.
The truth is: once we have attained a crown, there are many that wish to take it away. The greater our impact – the greater our opposition. Sadly, for every person who claps us on the back – there is another who stabs us in the same spot. Prosperity is one of life’s hardest tests; it breaks far more people than it makes.
So, what is life’s ideal environment?
Every set of circumstances has its own set of tests. Being rich or poor, famous or unknown, powerful or insignificant has its own set of problems. We must quit looking for ‘Heaven on Earth’; it does not exist. God never said that Heaven would be found in the Devil’s world. (Ecc. 2:4-11)
Happiness is a state of the soul, found in a spiritual environment. It is an inner capacity that has little to do with outward circumstances. Generally, if we are not content in our present circumstances, it is unlikely we will be content if our circumstances change.
We were designed to have a relationship with our Creator. When we start honestly trusting in God, knowing He is working all things together for our good, we will finally start relaxing and gaining that inner peace the Bible promises – no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.
The Apostle Paul states in Philippians 4:11: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” And David states in Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”