One of the things that I have learned is the need to be diligent in conquering is comparison.
- Comparison can steal joy and hope.
- Comparison is telling God that you don’t like His creation (you) or His provision for you.
- Comparison means that you are not good enough and will not ever measure up.
- Comparison is making an idol out of the other person or object.
- Comparison leads us to false standards or standards set by someone else.
Join us on our 40-Day Journey to Find Hope!
Most of my life I looked to see what others had. I was not content in what I had. The last few years have led me to shed the burden of comparison. We are unique and there is no one like us. Your likes and dislikes are yours, your body is designed to function uniquely and we are designed with different strengths.
How does comparison steal hope? Comparison leads to envy & jealousy, we want what someone else has.
James 3:16 says that where envy and self-seeking (strife) exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
For about 5 years, my husband and I lived in a warehouse in the Design District in Dallas. My husband is a metal artist so a warehouse seemed like a good solution.(You can see his work here.) We lived in a small space in the front of a 6000 square foot building. His workspace was in the back. He had very loud equipment in the back which provided for constant noise.
We made the living arrangement work but I longed for a house. I turned a break room into a kitchen and we built out a bathroom and shower area. I wanted a house so badly that I could not even drive through neighborhoods without getting sad.
One day a good friend of mine invited us to her housewarming party. She had just moved into a cute new home. We went and had a good time but on the way home I was sad that I had to go back to my warehouse. On the drive home, the Lord spoke to me and said that I needed to believe that He will do for me what He did for her. Right there on the highway, I released envy and jealous and started believing that He would place me in a home.
One year later we moved to a large home on acreage in the country. The Lord moved so radically once I stopped comparing and envying what others had and started believing Him for my own miracle. Once I started looking toward the miracle-giver, my despairing attitude turned to a hopeful one. When I stopped comparing, I was actually content to live where I was.
Jesus is our source for hope.
My Prayer:
Lord help us to see Your Presence in my life. Thank you for all that You have given me. Forgive me for comparing myself to others. Please show me how comparison steals my hope. Help me to have hope in you, not another.
Scripture:
For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. James 3:16
Please email me at Michelle@FindingHopeJourney.com if you are struggling with hopelessness, depression or despair and see no light at the end of your tunnel. There is hope for you!
For Further Reading:
- Introduction: Journey to Find Hope
- What does it mean to REST in the Lord?
- Hope-Filled Resources
- What is Hope?
Please share your testimony with me, I love testimonies! We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11)