Comparison is the Thief of Joy

The old saying that comparison is the thief of joy makes a lot of sense. Inevitably, when we look at others who (at seem to) have it easy, we miss out on being content with the goodness in our own life. Part of the healthy work of deconstruction is to help us take apart our unhealthy assumptions.

Take some time with these lines of poetry from the Psalms. The author was just comparing their life to others who seemed to have everything going their way - they had more money, more health, more comfort. And then comes this moment when the psalmist sits up, takes notice, and reorients. You can feel the self-awareness dawning, can’t you?

So what strikes you here? See if there might be a line or two that you want to hold in your heart and express as your own prayer to God today.

When my heart was grieved
    and my spirit embittered,
I was senseless and ignorant;
    I was a brute beast before you.
Yet I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever. - Psalm 73:21-26