The Thief of Joy........

Sorry I am late.....today was one of those days that did not go as planned and most of my "to do" list has gone undone. Don't you just love it when life steps in and throws you a curve ball? Yeah me either!  Life goes on and  most of those things I intended to do will just have to wait.

I slept a little better last night, even with the dream, so thanks for the prayers! Matter of fact I slept so well I over-slept! It all worked out though, I am off today and the kids arrive to school just as the bell rang!

As you know this weeks fruit of the Spirit is Joy and today I would like to share with you the Thief of You.  

Comparison is the thief of joy. And comparison is one of the easiest traps to fall into. I do it all the time. Oh, I justify it and write it off and often sit in a heap of denial, but comparison has held too much control over my life in times passed.

It can happen at any time and look many different ways. 

Comparison is believing the lie that we are unequal and of different values to God. Comparison is ranking those made in God’s image according to worldly standards. Comparison steals your joy and denies your identity. Comparison leads to no fruit.

This verse is one I am trying to memorize and one that has resonated in my heart these past few weeks. It is from The Message, which is a poetic paraphrasing, but it shares the heart of God so well.

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Do not be impressed with yourself or compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” 

Galatians 6:4-5

But how do we fight the lie and trap of comparison? 

First, put the lie in the light. Problems continue to rule us when we pretend they do not exist. Satan only has power when we keep our struggles in the shadow and try to handle them on our own. We have a God who is already victorious! Let him equip us for battle and lead the way!

Second, combat the lie with truth.  Memorize scripture. Print it out, write it on a sticky note, put it in your car or on your mirror. Wherever you find yourself struggling with it the most, put God’s Word in arm’s reach or have it ready in your heart and head. In the New Testament with Jesus was tempted in the desert, He refuted the devil with the Word of God.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well!” 

Psalm 139:13-14

“But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work. God’s instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for you- from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted!” 

1 Peter 2:10

Third, know your identity in Christ. Know it and believe it. He is the one who assigns your worth and value. And He calls us worthy and valuable. He paid any penalty and cost by sending His Son to the cross.

The only person we should compare ourselves to is Jesus, and His opinion is all that should count. If you struggle with this, pray for God to teach you how to see yourself in His eyes, read His word, cause no one loves us more, or wants more for us then Him.