Hi Friends!
Yesterday I wrote a very long email to someone I admire, but have always struggled with jealousy with. I got really transparent and really awkward and really honest. For some reason I felt like I needed to write it, so I did, and you know what? It was freeing. I prayed before I hit send, and I pray it is accepted for what it was an open and honest letter.
For quite some time now, when I allow myself to get transfixed in the proverbial Instragram scroll, I often find myself questioning why I even care to try. Someone is always better than me, prettier flowers, more followers, better content, you name it. So a while back I began to immediately pray for whoever it was when the enemy would try and invade my heart and mind with thoughts of self doubt.
Prayers changes things. Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes I don’t want to pray for whoever it is that gets under my skin any particular time. But, I take a deep breath and just let the Lord’s grace wash over me. I am human, and so are you. We can let those thoughts infiltrate our hearts and steal our joy, or we can combat who we are really in a struggle with, the enemy. Not the self-starting business owner who is wildly successful in just a couple short years, or the other blogger who has a million page views a week, or the mama who appears to be the best homemaker in all the land.
God’s Word tells us to, “be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9
If you struggle with moments of jealousy I encourage you to just stop and pray. Even if its the simplest, shortest prayer through gritted teeth. But, here’s the kicker that has helped me, praying for the person I feel jealous of by name. Instead of just praying for strength to not feel jealous, specifically praying for the person you are struggling feeling jealousy towards.
Here’s an example of a prayer I have prayed, “Dear Lord, I lift up ______to you today, I pray that You continue to bless them, and that they know You. I pray that they know You are the true source of all their blessings and successes. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Another way to cultivate contentment is to list out 5 things you are thankful for. K and I have done this for years, as I have mentioned in previous posts. There is so much around you to be grateful for, so go ahead and try it!
How do you combat jealousy when you feel it? I would love to know!
Images by Smith House Photography
xoxo, Tamara
This is so good! Yes, I struggle with jealousy, as well. I love your idea to pray for those that we are jealous of. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for being honest about your struggle too! I know you are excited about that baby!