The Thief of Joy
Below is the audio version of the blog, read by Kay Naomi.
One thing I admire about people I have parasocial interactions with is their vulnerability and transparency. It takes a lot of strength to open your heart for the world to see. The first person who comes to mind is Ressa Tessa. She told the story of her failed marriage on TikTok. How brave! She had millions listening intently to her deeply personal experience.
So today, I am taking a page from her book and sharing a bit about my own life. It’s not a story time like Ressa’s, rather, something I have been working through. There is a movie called “Faith Like Potatoes” that comes to mind as I am writing this. In short, potatoes grow underground so you can’t fully see their growth like say, a tomato that grows above ground. There are other indicators that potatoes are growing above ground such as green stems and flowers that come up through the surface. (I put a photo below just for reference.) In the same way, there are indicators that our faith is working! God likes to send us reminders in the most creative ways. Maybe it is a song or even an encouraging conversation. Track with me, I am going somewhere with this.
During this chapter in my life, my “potatoes” are in the ground. But I find myself looking at other people eating French fries from their potato harvest. Those French fries look yummy. Are mine going to look like that? Will anyone want to try my French fries? Sometimes, I overlook or ignore the “proof” that something indeed is happening.
Comparison. I struggle often with comparison. It is a topic I bring to God in prayer because I don’t want to feel this way but I do. Now, I often ask God to reveal the origin of my feelings so I can address them. This specific area for me is still a work in progress. Even more, not only is comparison the thief of joy, but it is a gateway drug that leads to envy, jealousy, and even pride. Let’s just call it what it is!
Now, there are two sides to comparison. On one side, you look at someone else’s French fries and think they are better than yours. On the other side, you believe your French fries are superior to anyone else’s. In the first scenario, you may be dealing with envy or even jealousy. In the second scenario, your heart has become prideful. Both scenarios are displeasing to God.
Let’s look at some definitions for clarity:
Comparison: consideration or estimate of the similarities or dissimilarities between two things or people.
Envy: a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc.
Jealousy: resentment against a rival, a person enjoying success or advantage, etc., or against another's success or advantage itself.
Pride: a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
If I am honest, I have been on both sides of the scenario at some point in time. Yikes. I am not proud of that at all. There are some tools I believe we can utilize to combat these feelings. One I mentioned earlier: asking God to reveal the root of comparison in our hearts. Not only asking Him where it came from but to heal our hearts and reveal any lies we believed. His Word speaks truth to our identity so finding Scriptures to mediate on is vital. Here is one of my favorites:
For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. Ephesians 2:10 AMP
You and I are a work of art made by the Creator! When we let that marinate, it not only changes how we view ourselves but how we view others. We are not meant to compete to be better than each other; rather, to support and cheer on others made in the image of God just like us!
Another tool is thankfulness. Throughout the Bible, we see this theme over and over again. Countless verses speak about thanking God. For example, thankfulness is needed when we pray and petition God for various things.
Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. Philippians 4:6 AMP
When I approach God from a posture of thankfulness it helps me to refocus on Him and His goodness towards me. Not what I don’t have. Not what I haven’t yet accomplished. As believers, when we reflect on the fact that Jesus bore our sin so we could have a relationship with God the Father, all the other things pale in comparison. The God of the Universe loves and cares deeply about you and me. That reality brings me to tears. Who cares about French fries!!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving us beyond what our minds can truly comprehend. Thank You for being with us in the midst of our struggles. Thank You for Your Word that tells us who we truly are. Thank You that our identity is found in You. Help us to not compare ourselves to others. Help us to not be envious or jealous of others. Reveal any areas of pride in our hearts. Thank You for walking with us and leading us. We love You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Until Next Time,
Live and Love Audaciously,
Kay Naomi