Womens online Bible study for the Extraordinary Power of Praise– join us! This week Becky Harling writes, “If you want to be a contented person you need to stop comparing.” When we compare, we are measuring and looking for someone’s failures, not just their success. It hinders our growth to judge others. When we compare, we set a standard based on human measures and miss the goal the Lord has set before us. Measure yourself against the Holy Bible, not people.

What feelings are stirred up by comparison? Discontentment! What if for 100 days, you asked the Lord to remove ALL discontentment! from your life? What would that look like? Pray on it. What if for the next 100 days, you prayed, “Father forgive my discontentment” Use a gratitude journey and count YOUR blessings…not “hers”

In Psalm 23:2-3 David makes four promises about how the Lord takes care of His sheep.

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3 NKJV

The four promises of Psalm 23 are reminders to seek contentment with God. Not people, food, or addictions.

On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being not very content at all and 10 being completely content, how would you rate your contentment at this point? When Jesus is near, I am a 10 on my contentment scale. When I don’t make room for Him or don’t listen, or don’t steward His Word, I quickly fall to a 1 on my scale. Remember DO NOT compare. You are different from me, and I am different from you. Our measuring scales are not the same. Give your discontentment to God. Let Him remind you of the blessings and goodness in your life.

As I thought about modern idols this week, I thought of an “offering” plate. If we offered up our idols to God, what would that look like today Where I live, some of the idols I see around me are identities, social issues, politics, fashion, celebrities, Instagram, food, and addictions? In this area, success is defined by cars, homes, or vacations.  As we all know…we cannot take our idols into heaven, They are not treasures. Knowing this, should we compare ourselves to anything here on Earth?

Comparing leads to competition. Then we chase things we never wanted in the first place. Or things we cannot afford. Or things that do not bring satisfaction.

Read Psalm 63:5. What do you think it means for the Lord to completely satisfy your soul? “You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.” Psalm 63:5 NLT

Scheduled appointments with God on your calendar. Make room for Him and satisfy your soul.

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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.