“Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish.”
Psalm 73:7
Do you ever cry out like the Psalmist does here? When reading through some of the Psalms, I all too often agree and think, “Yeah! Everything comes so easy for them. Why do other people have everything they want, while I struggle?” The proverbial grass “over there” seems a bit greener and more vibrant than mine.
Girls, comparison like this breeds envy. And envy seeps into our soul’s soil, establishing roots of bitterness and discontent.
The struggle is real (and promised in this life). Physical pain, loneliness, job loss, marital woes…the list is endless, and we each have a unique set of challenges. So, how do we stop our wandering gaze and escape the traps of “woe-is-me” and “if-only”?
First, we have to focus on our own grass—our own circumstances. Sometimes it’s so easy to look away and see everyone else’s seeming blessings and miss our own. Here’s an idea: Really assess your life…home in on the Lord’s gifts. Did you see the sunrise or sunset that God made today? The bursts of colors glorify the Creator—and so does your vision to be able to see it. Do you have a roof over your head to stay warm during the winter months? Did you go to bed hungry last night (well, don’t answer that if you’re on a diet)? Is there one person in your life you can count on to be there for you?
Sister, you are richly blessed.
When you peer with intention into the meadow of your life, you’ll be astounded by the splendor that exists and the glorious blessings. Focus on what you have to be thankful for—the big things and the small things. Even our struggles and pains are purposeful, ultimately resulting in beauty. When we look for weeds, that’s all we’ll see…but when we look for the blessings, our perspective will change completely.
Most importantly, if you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior then, regardless of any rocks, weeds, or dead grass in life, you can choose contentment in His saving grace. You are the greatest miracle: once dead and now alive forever in Christ. And your pasture can’t get any greener than that.
encouraged by grace 