A friend recently shared with me, “How is it that everyone’s life seems to be better than mine?” He began comparing all the ways other people had it better: the “right” genes, degrees, connections, spouse, kids, and so on, until he stopped and said, “Huh … I think I’m just being envious.”
Psychologists describe envy as feeling pain at another’s good fortune, especially when we believe we deserve it more than them. But the Bible shows us there’s something deeper going on. Behind every envious glance (or scroll) there is a distrust in God’s character. It is one thing to ‘amen’ His goodness, faithfulness, protection, and grace, but the real test comes when we feel like my friend did: lacking, shortchanged, being treated unfairly.
At the root of our discontentment is unbelief. We question God’s goodness, His timing, and His specific care for us. We assume we know better than God when it comes to arranging our lives and circumstances.
The author of Hebrews nails it when he writes:
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (Heb 13:5)
Our contentment tends to be shaped by our circumstances. God wants our contentment to be shaped by His character, presence, and provision. He knows us. He sees us. The more we grow in treasuring God and what He has done for us in Christ, the more we grow in being content.
This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.
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