Verse: Proverbs 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
Thoughts
Have you ever wanted something that belonged to someone else? Have you ever wished you had their looks, or their body, or their money, or their boyfriend/girlfriend, or their style, or their clothes, or their car, or their talent?
Jealousy and envy are so easy to fall into. Especially in an age of social media, I feel like it is nearly impossible to not see someone else's great whatever and feel a little sad you don't have it.
Sometimes that envy leads to us feeling down about our life, or ourselves. It can lead to us even hating our bodies, our faces, or our lives.
This is why the proverb here is so accurate: envy rots the bones. Envy and jealousy eats us from the inside out. It sits in the pit of our stomach and devours us slowly.
The secret, then, is contentment. Can we learn to be content with what God has given us? Can we learn to find joy in the fact that we are different than others, created by God on purpose, and have our own gifts and talents? Paul sums this up really well:
Philippians 4:11-13
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Prayer
Help me to be content in all situations God. I pray you would keep my heart from envy and help me to find joy and peace in all situations.