How to Put Away Comparison ~ Sunday Devotion
Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalm 73:1-3 (NKJV)
I can hear myself in the words of this psalmist. He was looking at all those around him and comparing his life to theirs. They were wicked people and yet he was seeing their lives as better than his. In the NIV, verse 4 says, “They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.”
Have you found yourself comparing yourself to others even when you don’t know the whole story, or when someone else’s situation is so different from yours? I’ve ended up in this place too many times. Thankfully, just as this psalmist had his eyes opened, so did I.
These were wicked people. They were people who were not following the one true God. It might’ve looked like things were going well for them, but they didn’t know God. Without Him, nothing else matters. A great body. A successful career. Smart children. Big house and multiple cars. Those things might appear good on the outside, but they won’t get us to heaven. They won’t provide the peace that our hearts desperately need.
Instead of looking around at what everyone else has, put away comparison by focusing on who God is in your life. Share on X
The psalmist continued to record how he was troubled by all he saw until, according to verse 17, he entered the sanctuary of God. He realized the fate of all who do not serve the living God. He began to praise God for being Lord of his life, and he put away the comparison.
I get caught in the comparison trap when I’ve drifted from the Lord. If I’m not diligent in my daily quiet time, I can easily become distracted by things going on around me and in other people’s lives. But in His presence, I find everything I need. I’m loved and accepted. There is no need for comparison.
Instead of making a new year’s resolution to lose weight, make a commitment to spend more time with the Lord. Get your focus set on Him, and He’ll help you with the rest.
Action Step: Read chapter 73 of Psalms. Are you like the psalmist at the beginning or at the end of the chapter? Allow God to change your heart and open your eyes to His goodness in your life. Keep your focus on Him and His work in your life, and let everyone else fade away.
Happy Sunday!
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