Elizabeth gave birth to a long prayed for son who would become known as John the Baptizer. And Luke tells us in his gospel that “her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her his great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.” – Luke 1:58
And I wondered.
Among the rejoicers were there also women feeling the emptiness of their womb and prayers that went unanswered? Husbands, happy for Zechariah, while wondering why he was the lucky one, as they felt helpless for their own wifes’ maternal longings?
Weddings. Births. Healings. Financial or material gain. The list is long and it creates a space where “good for them” and “why not me” battle it out for front row seats, while we ignore it or shove it down with a piece of cake and a smile that hides the truth.
What if we chose sanctification instead? Put ourselves on the altar and let Him bring our envious heart into the light so that we can see the damage it’s done.
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. – Proverbs 14:30
“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic… – James 3:14-16.
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” – Galatians 5:19-21
We just can’t continue to ignore our own envy—that stuff is dangerous on every level. Instead, I pray we will become so quick to repent when we see it, and ask God to heal our heart of what has wounded it.
Because we know He’s a good Father, and everything we need. We know He does not overlook us. We are loved, cared for, and safe in His hands.
Lord, teach us to rejoice without envy.
Karla Jo Wasion 