Have you heard the saying that comparison is the thief of joy?
It’s true, isn’t it? How many times have you felt good about your life or content in your situation and then looked at someone who is doing better, is more successful, or having a better time than you are and then suddenly felt sub par.
It’s particularly difficult, in this day and age, not to feel this way when you’re on social media pages. People post pictures of their vacations and family gatherings, they announce promotions, engagements, and pregnancies, and they generally share all of the funny and fun things they do or think. So if you’re having a hard time with depression, a painful relationship or situation, or anything else, it’s especially easy to feel isolated and hurt by seeing these things.
However, as believers, we know that joy everlasting truly comes from the Lord. So when you start to feel your joy being taken away by the act of comparison, stop and consider these verses:
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Psalm 47:1
Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
Isaiah 9:3
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.
Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.
Proverbs 10:28
The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
