Choose Not To Compare

She had it all. 

Several years ago, I was in a prayer group with a bunch of moms and there was this one woman who Had. It. All. Cute little figure. Rich husband. Big house. Well behaved kids. She looked great in hats. When she prayed, it was like angels had given her the words. I mean … she was Miss Perfect.

I wish I could say I celebrated God’s goodness to her, but I did not cuz I was too busy wishing I had what she had.

Then one meeting, the tearful leader informed us this woman I thought was perfect had killed herself. On purpose. She’d been her fighting her own personal demons and just could not face one more day so she washed down a fist full of pills with a bottle of liquor to end her misery.

Choose not to compare.

Comparing what I saw of her in public to what I knew about private self had led me to envy a woman who was living in hell on earth. From the outside it looked like she had it all. Inside, she was fighting for her next day of sobriety.

Next time you feel the ugly green monster tempting you to envy someone else’s anything, choose not to compare, judge or envy what you think they have. The trade-off you think you want might be worse that what you have.

What’s your best advice for conquering the green-eyed monster of envy? Leave me a comment below.

Verse of the day: And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Prayer: Oh Lord, guard my eyes so I don’t covet what someone else has. Teach me to be satisfied with the blessings you have placed in my life. Teach me to be thankful and trust that you will provide everything I need. In Jesus Name amen.

12 Comments

  1. Ruth Rottier on May 17, 2021 at 12:11 am

    Trust me I am in my late seventies and am way beyond comparing myself to anyone! I am very blessed and thank the Lord every day for all His blessings, and share it whenever I can.

    • Robyn Dykstra on May 18, 2021 at 8:19 pm

      What a healthy place to be. You’re an inspiration, Ruth.

  2. Kay Zehr on May 17, 2021 at 1:56 am

    Everyone has some sort of battle going on in their life! Jew just don’t always verbalize it to others! Tis a constant battle for each of us to not judge, just pray for each other & count our blessings & not our losses. ????

    • Robyn Dykstra on May 18, 2021 at 8:19 pm

      Isn’t that the truth, Kay! Thanks for posting.

  3. Marie Howard on May 17, 2021 at 9:45 am

    God created you as an individual with your own gifts and blessings. Look for them and ask God how He wants you to share with others., so that they too may find their value and worth to God. We are all created with a God-given purpose. Seek that and God’s approval above the approval of man.

    • Robyn Dykstra on May 18, 2021 at 8:18 pm

      True that, Marie. Appreciate your posting.

  4. Irma Fenley on May 17, 2021 at 11:44 am

    I think we have to be discerning in our hearts. Obviously this poor woman had issues that no one knew about. If we’re honest with ourselves whether jealousy, envy, lack of self-confidence, self criticism…we all can have these issues at one time or another. Seeking God in all you do and say and he will “give you the desires of your heart”. This means implant HIS desires in your heart, not satisfy yours. God is AMAZING!

    • Robyn Dykstra on May 18, 2021 at 8:17 pm

      Irma,
      Great insights. Appreciate you posting!

  5. Sharon Melton on May 17, 2021 at 2:03 pm

    Good morning, I felt the verse and Prayer were very apropos for the discussion of being envious or jealous of someone else and what they may have in their life. I think it’s very human that we all feel that at times. It is interesting how God will reflect some thing in front of our very eyes to put things back in perspective. When we are praying and thanking him for blessings, it sure makes the wants put into perspective of not needed. I thank Him for that! Sharon

    • Robyn Dykstra on May 18, 2021 at 8:17 pm

      Hi Sharon,
      Real wisdom in your post. Thanks for writing. 🙂

  6. Rose Nystrom on May 19, 2021 at 4:14 pm

    On a day when things seem rough or difficult, look around; one does not have to look far to see a person you would not want to trade shoes with!!!!

    • Robyn Dykstra on May 19, 2021 at 5:04 pm

      That is the truth, Rose. Thanks for posting.

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