As for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray. For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. —Psalm 73:2–3
We have a propensity to compare ourselves to others, to believe that the other person’s life is better than ours, or, even worse, to believe that because someone else went through a similar situation we should have the same result.
When we take our eyes off the Lord, that is when we give way to bitterness, resentment, envy, and lose sight of what God wants to teach us (vv. 21–22). It is only when we enter His sanctuary that we understand what He wants to show us. It is only in His presence that we can understand His work in us.
It is my prayer that in times of difficulty we may be able to say as the psalmist did:
Who do I have in heaven but you? And I desire nothing on earth but you. My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever. (vv. 25–26).
Make it Personal
When do you tend to compare yourself to others? How can you enter into the Lord’s presence and focus on what He is teaching you?