We’ve all heard the lies, or even said them, “I’ll be happy when I have _____,” “They can do _____ because they have _____,” or “They’re doing so much better than you because of _____.”
All of this is bogus.
I have dealt with this my whole life! It starts with envy, leads to strife, and ends in division. The devil’s whole purpose is to steal the Word of God from us and separate us from God and the godly people in our lives, which in turn makes us feel like we’re unworthy and forgotten.
Comparison hurts us, our relationship with God, and our relationships with people!
Have you ever found yourself in a situation and asked, “How did I get here?” It almost always started with something small and built up to something bigger over time.
Sometimes it all started with a simple comparison.
Maybe you have found yourself mad at God because you do not yet have what you want right now...but guess what?! He loves us so much, but that does not mean we get to have everything we want when we want it. We have to put our big kid pants on and let God work in our hearts while we wait! He can tell us what to do and what is best, but we still have to CHOOSE to listen to Him.
Even though we are called to be content, we can also have biblical desires for more. God always has so much more in store for us! It is all about the heart, so lusting after what someone else has gets our eyes off of Jesus and will make our heart bitter.
The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:6, “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” Proverbs 19:23 also says, “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”
This is why we must choose to drop the comparison game.
Being content with what we have, and choosing joy can be difficult at times, but I promise we really can still choose it! It starts with gratitude and thanking God for what we DO have! When we step back and look at everything, we can all find plenty to be grateful for.
No matter what situation you’re in, cling to this truth:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9
I challenge you to think of at least 15 things you are grateful for right now! You can say them outloud or write them down, but this will help your mind get re-focused on the good!
I also challenge you to spend time every day focusing on reading the scriptures I have shared here or find other verses about being content or thankful to dwell on.
Comparison always hurts, and you, my friend, are worth so much more!
