"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." - Philippians 4:8 NIV
The last few years God has done amazing things for me. I couldn't go a day without thanking Him over and over for making a way where there seemed to be no way. But the past few days I had a little bit of a negative attitude. I searched my heart and found that I had taken my eyes off of Jesus and put them on other people's blessings. Let me tell you, the fastest way to become dissatisfied with what we once considered a blessing is to start envying other people's stuff. We're all running our own race. God is not taking all of us down the same road. That's why we shouldn't compare ourselves, it's apples and oranges.
If you're like me, and have found that you aren't rejoicing in the things you once rejoiced over, search your heart, and see if you, like me, have taken your eyes off of Jesus and put them on other people's material gain. The fastest and shortest road to "Ungrateful-ville" is to envy others.
I always try to keep a thankful and grateful heart about everything, because God truly has done great things for me (and you). So a red flag pops up when I begin feeling depressed, sad or negative in some way. Let those things be a red flag to you as well. Remind yourself that God IS FOR you! God LOVES you! And God DOES provide! Praise always precedes the victory! Whereas, envy always precedes a down fall!
The enemy and our carnal nature love reminding us of everything we don't have, and conveniently FORGET to remind us of what we DO have. It's our job to encourage ourselves in the Lord and remind ourselves!
Don't allow other people's gain to destroy the joy you once had over your answered prayers!
2 comments:
Amber, thank you so much for posting this. I feel like this post was meant for me. I've been feeling this way lately - down, discouraged, confused - and I really believe it's because I've been focusing so much on the success other people have that it makes it seem like I have nothing. Thanks again for your words of wisdom!
I know the feeling, but it's a huge trap from the enemy. One day all this is going to be gone and all that will be left is what we did for Him. All this striving to keep up is a trap to keep us looking at man and not God and ultimately miss our reward. My 2nd book's purpose is actually to encourage people feeling like you mentioned. I know that feeling all to well. The Bible says God "predestined our time and place". He has something in mind for us :) :) :) That's exciting! There is a set time for us. Look at Jesus, He didn't start his ministry until his 30's. He was God's son, why not start right way, at 3 or 12 or 25? He had to wait too. I use this verse as the theme for my blog to remind me everyday :) "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" - Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV Anyways I'm typing a book here haha :P
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