GOOD THOUGHTS
Daphne Powell
Today’s Scripture: “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,
but envy makes the bones rot.” Proverbs 14:30, ESV
Theme: Rejoice and celebrate for others; do not let envy and jealousy poison your relationships.
DISTRACTED
How many times have we looked at a family/friend’s vacation photos and gotten sad because we wanted to go there, too? How many times has the neighbor pulled up with a new vehicle and we get in our car wondering, “Why I can’t afford one?” How many times have we thought, “If only I made X much money”? Or “If I just lived in this neighborhood”?
In every instance, we have said to the Lord, “I am not happy with what I have,” which also equals, “what You gave me.” We want to compare our gifts to their gifts. When we do, we are letting ourselves be distracted from seeing what God has done in our own lives. We are saying that He should not be blessing others more than us.
How can you truly love someone if all you have inside is jealousy?
FOCUS
We can start to focus on being a better friend or relative. Instead of being envious of someone else, be like Jesus to someone else. Be the friend who notices that they aren’t smiling as much or that they seem to be quiet. Focus on what Jesus would want us to do in that moment.
When you start to focus on God and thank Him for what He has done in your life, you will stop being envious of others. When you start to focus on Jesus, the worldly possessions that others have don’t bother you anymore.
In fact, how can we ask for more when we aren’t appreciative of what we have?
THANKFUL
When we give God all the glory, it has to be more than just lifting a hand or shouting. True glory is loving your neighbor, lending a hand to a stranger, and giving God praise for where we are right now. It’s thanking Him for all that you have and being glad. When we know God and who He is, when we keep our eyes on Him, we see there is nothing God can’t do for us. Our hearts will change, our souls will rejoice, and a prayer of victory for others will bring a smile to our faces.
How are you showing—by your actions—that you are thankful?
Make it Personal: I have replaced social media time with being in-person with people. I have replaced a quick text with actually calling and hearing a voice. Being envious comes from a place of not feeling like we are enough. This is why it is so important to not only read and study the Bible, but to live it. God loves me and I know that He has blessed me in so many ways. And I also know that when I rejoice for others, it feels good. Everyone is God’s child, and therefore my brother or sister. Why would I not want the best for them?
Pray: Lord, I pray that today my eyes stay focused on You; that from the moment I open my eyes, I will see the beauty in my life, the blessings given in what I have, and not focus on what I think I need. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Amen.
Read: Exodus 20:17; Psalm 27:4; Philippians 4:10-13
Weekly Memory Verse: Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)