Comparison is the thief of joy, they say. Bitterness is the result of comparison.
After having a rough day yesterday, I was feeling very frustrated.
I scrolled social media to see everyone living their best life. Pregnancy announcement after pregnancy announcement. People getting fit. People buying new things. People enjoying their children. People looking happy.
And I had to remember, that social media is a highlight reel.
We only see the things people choose to show us. I think we are all guilty of posting all the wonderful things happening to us, because we should! There is nothing wrong in rejoicing in your beautiful life.
Because let’s be honest, I don’t get on social media to hear people complain about how terrible their lives are. I want to see all the cool stuff happening.
But that’s where I struggle the most. (If you’re an enneagram 4, you feel this, because this is one of our biggest issues with comparison/envy).
I see people showing off their kids, the things God is doing in their life, their health improving, their travels and accomplishments and I want that too.
I realized that I was starting to feel bitterness stirring inside me. I was bitter that a certain person was flaunting how easy it was for her to get pregnant. I was bitter that some people were experiencing parts of life that I desperately yearn to experience. I was bitter that I wasn’t in an accomplished phase of my life too.
The God stopped me in my tracks, cause I was starting to go down a rabbit hole. I’m talking ugly crying and punching my pillow, whilst screaming at my poor mother on the phone type of thing.
After hanging up the phone, God spoke in the silence.
Why are you comparing yourself when I have a divine purpose and plan for you? Have I failed you yet? Have I not provided for you time after time? Have I not given you dreams and fulfilled them over and over again? You think I’ll let you down now? Your journey isn’t supposed to look like other people’s. I want the glory and in order for me to get the glory, you have to trust me and let me work while you wait. Stop making this harder than it has to be. You only see what people choose to show you and you have no idea what it took for people to get where they are. Let your story be written by me and stop getting so concerned about what other people have and don’t have. Got it?
He put me in my place. He was right and I was just sitting there taking it all in. All I could say in the moment was, God remove this bitterness and help me to trust you over anything else.
To quote a song that I have on repeat these days…
What once was full of sorrow, your love turned into good.
What once left me in pieces, Your strength restored in full.
My trust is in Your Word Lord, You have the final say.
My hope is in your promise, that there’s an empty grave.
Sanctuary (Live) by SEU Worship
Like, this song just wrecked me. I am declaring this and screaming this song at the top of my lungs in my apartment. My neighbors may think I’m crazy but I am declaring it with all I have.
I refuse to let bitterness or comparison steal my joy. We need to be cheering people on instead!!
Good for you girl! I am so excited for you and this new baby!
That is awesome that you’ve lost that much weight and are getting healthy!
Congratulations on your promotion at work! That’s amazing!
Get it girl! Looks like you crushed that workout!
I am so happy for you that you found love!
That looks like such an awesome place to travel!
I love that outfit girl! You look amazing!!
I WILL NOT be bitter towards anyone who is having happiness and success. I WILL NOT compare myself to anyone else because who knows what they go through behind closed doors. I WILL NOT compare my journey to another because who knows what it took to get there.
As we go into the weekend, we do not compare ourselves but instead we cheer others on. We strive to reach our goals, stay consistent with working out and eating healthy, and choose to be happy right now.
Life is short, let’s not waste it by wishing for things we don’t have. Let’s be thankful for what we do have and for what’s coming.
Cause man, we got some beautiful seasons ahead.
Catch up on the journey so far!
Day 1 The Starting Over
Day 2 The Daily List
Day 3 The Screenless Meals
Day 4 The Expectations
Day 5 The Dedication
Day 6 The Internal Listening
Day 7 The Disappointment