"You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." Psalm 145:16 (NIV)

I've come to the realization that every choice I make is actually a trade.

Some trades are good. On the days I trade a half hour of sleep for extra time with Jesus in God's Word ... that's a great trade. The time I chose to keep dusting as my daughter shared her heart with me ... that was a horrible trade. Taking care of my body or indulging in a little more dessert? It's all about what trade I will make.

There's a guy in the Bible, not much different than me, who also made a trade. His name was Esau, and the story of his dealings are found in Genesis 25.

Esau was the twin brother of Jacob. Esau, like me, was an outdoorsy type. Jacob, unlike me, liked to hang out in the kitchen.

One day, after being out in the open country, Esau returned home exhausted and famished to find Jacob cooking some stew. He said, "Quick, let me have some of that red stew!" (Genesis 25:30, NIV).

Jacob, being the conniving type, saw an opportunity to play let's-make-a-deal with his older brother. He made a proposition, "First, sell me your birthright" (Genesis 25:31, NIV).

According to Jewish tradition, fathers gave the birthright to the firstborn son. The eldest would receive the title of the family name (maybe something like the way royalty passes on the family title) and a double portion of his father's inheritance.

Maybe Esau thought Jacob's proposition was a lighthearted toss, so he threw back an exaggerated, sarcastic response: "Look, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?" (Genesis 25:32, NIV)

That's all it took. He swore an oath and got his bowl of stew.

Some trade.

When I first read this account I thought: Really? Give away all of your rights for a bowl of stew?

What would possess Esau to make such an uneven exchange?

Take a closer look at the word describing Esau's condition: famished. Extremely hungry, starving, empty, hollow. I think Esau's condition had a lot to do with his decision. Past the point of being hungry, he was empty.

Hollow.

If Esau would have grabbed a snack while waiting for the meal preparation, he could have been sated until all was ready. The temptation to give up the best of later for the quick fix of now wouldn't have had such a tantalizing pull.

Esau and I are a lot alike. When I'm "hungry" - whether that looks like loneliness, fear or tiredness - I can make some unwise decisions. When my heart is empty, I can make an unequal trade out of desperation. In this condition, I am tempted to:

Make quick decisions

Speed had everything to do with Esau's choice. He wanted his problem fixed now! It wasn't hard for Jacob to manipulate a man who wouldn't wait.

Exaggerate my condition

Esau told his brother he was about to die. Someone who has been out in the open country all day doesn't seem to be at death's door.

Make unwise decisions

Esau gave up the best of what he had for a bowl of stew.

What's the trade you're facing? Does it have to do with how you spend your time, invest in relationships, or take care of yourself? Maybe you find yourself trading intimacy with your husband for a romance novel? Sacrificing financial freedom for "having it all"? Bypassing time with your kids for the project at work? The trade presents itself in many different ways.

Today's key verse in Psalm 145:16 tells us, "You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." Jesus will satisfy our hungers and allow us to see the truth of the trade if we turn to Him. Then, we can see the exchange for what it is.

What trades are you tempted to make today? Let's learn from Esau. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is worth the trade if it means giving up God's very best.

Father, I think often I am unaware that I am making a trade. Open my eyes to see the temptation for what it is and empower me by Your Holy Spirit to make the right choices for Your honor and glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Psalm 90:14, "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." (NIV)

Isaiah 58:11, "The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES:

Do you know a young woman making some unhealthy trades? Magnetic: Becoming the Girl He Wants by Lynn Cowell can help her learn to make wise choices.

Today Lynn is giving away a "Wise Choice" bundle which includes a copy of The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst, and her book Magnetic: Becoming the Girl He Wants. Stop by Lynn's blog for your chance to enter.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:

What are some of the trades, good or bad, that you make on a regular basis?

Take a moment to ask the Lord to help you see these choices and give you the strength to make the best trades in the week ahead.

© 2015 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.