Anchored

Ever thought of comparison as jealousy? It sure does sound better to say that we were trapped in a comparison situation than to admit that we are jealous of someone’s body, job, family, life…

Proverbs 27:4 – warns us of the destruction that jealous can bring us destruction

“Wrath is cruel and displeasure overwhelming, but who is able to stand before jealousy?”

According to David Guzik’s commentary Jealousy is a raging emotion that defies reason at times and takes the form of destruction like a consuming fire.

I don’t know about you, but when I feel ‘jealous’ when I find myself comparing my life and body to that of another woman, I don’t feel the fire consuming me either. I’d actually rather feel the ‘fire’, that way maybe I’d take it as a warning sign to stop comparing and turn my focus back to YAHWEH.  Instead, however, the fire is a slow burn that appears almost in secret in every moment of every day through my actions and negative self-talk.

Distractions are everywhere!  We are called to keep our focus on YAHWEH, but it’s so difficult as darts come flying at our heads nonstop – darts like self-doubt, running our kids around, comparison, exhaustion, our job, marriage struggles… Yet, in the midst of these arrows being shot at us – YAHWEH calls us to keep our eyes focused on HIM alone and he will take care of those arrows for us.

Romans 8:5 – For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit set their minds on the things of the spirit.

David’s commentary on Proverbs 27:4 goes on to say that jealousy (envy) is worse than both anger and wrath in part because anger and wrath are caused by being provoked, jealousy comes from the destructiveness within our minds.  Wrath and anger are seen by others and can be called out/recognized. Jealousy/envy are hard to see and therefore, the effects of it are hard to avoid.

Personally, I’ve been loving my new journey toward nutritional therapy education.  I look around at all the women ahead of me and often think to myself “it’s too late, so many people are ahead of me” or “there is no way I’ll ever be like that person” or I’m not good enough to do this kind of work” … Each one of these is lies – lies that are trying to take my focus off of the ONE who has no limitations.

(greatest thing – while I was writing this section my playlist played: No Limit by Bechah Shae – click the link to check it out)

You are special.  What YAHWEH is doing in your life today is important to HIS plan for you.  Even the things that don’t feel good at the moment.  Just like Paul tells us – the trials create character and endurance to run the race that is set before us.

³ Not only so, but we^[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Don’t compare your path to that of another, trust in YAHWEH in all things and count them all as blessings.  Keep in step with the SPIRIT and don’t run ahead with your desires. HE is indeed working things out in HIS perfect timing.  When you feel rushed, anxious, jealous… take those feeling captive and know that HIS timing is perfect and that each situation is a chance to lean into YAHWEH.  HE longs for a relationship with us, for us to trust HIM! HIS love for us will be felt as we lean in and from there our love for HIM to be carried out in our actions, trust, thoughts… Through obedience, we will experience peace, joy, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, self-control, love… HIS fruit will flow into us – give us the endurance we need to pour HIS fruit into all areas of our lives.