“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.” (Proverbs 23:17 NIV)
Why does their life look better than yours? Because you’re looking through a dark lens. In no way can you completely understand someone else’s life. Impossible. What you see isn’t the full picture. They are presenting what they want people to see, not what is necessarily true. I have met plenty of people who drive fancy cars and live in fancy places in my lifetime. Money doesn’t make you happy that I know. A lot of those people I’ve encountered are miserable. But they paint a pretty picture on the outside.
Paul reminds the Corinthians of this fact in his first letter to them:
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV)
Remind yourself of the whole.
Remind yourself you don’t know everything about the situation you are witnessing. Yes, maybe your ex appears happy with whoever the new partner is, but are they? Relationships take work from both parties. The job is 24/7. Lord knows I love my husband, but marriage is work. If a couple has a good relationship, they are making it a priority in their lives. Having a thriving relationship and smiling for a picture are two different things. People confuse that fact when they see photos on social media.
One day, you will face God, and all of your unanswered questions will have answers. But until then, you don’t know. Accept the fact. Stop assuming. Instead, focus on Jesus.
Focus on His goodness in your life. Stop right now and look around you. Thank God for five things you can see without having to move.
When we start thanking God for what we do have, all we can see is Him. We begin to see Him in everything we do. His presence begins to overwhelm us as we start to connect the dots.
On the anniversary of my nephew’s death, I looked for a picture of him and my mom. He died on her birthday; I was celebrating both of their lives. My favorite photo is from my mom’s 75th birthday party. The reason I had a party for her that year is because of my friend Lynda. Her father’s birthday is the same day as my mother’s. We were working together that year. She was planning a birthday celebration with her sisters, which reminded me of my mom’s birthday. As a result, I threw her a surprise party. From that party came my favorite picture of her and Cody. God connected the dots for me in that situation.
Don’t fall for the act. No one’s life is perfect.
Question of the Day:
What story are you assuming you know?
Further Reading: Isaiah 25:1-28:13 NIV, Galatians 3:10-22 NIV, Psalm 61 NIV, Proverbs 23:17-18 NIV
