Don’t give place to envy

“Lord…you guard all that is mine.” 
Ps 16:5 NLT Have you allowed envy to form a “stronghold” in your life? Do you find yourself avoiding or feeling resentful of certain people because of their success? The Bible says, “Envy rots the bones” (Pr 14:30 NIV) and the New Living Translation paraphrases it this way: “Jealousy is like cancer in the bones.” If you find yourself constantly criticizing someone and craving what they have, read these words and think about them carefully and prayerfully: “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen” (Jer 29:11-12 TLB). In essence, envy says to God, “You made a mistake when you made me like I am. I want to be like that other person, and have what they have!” No, God has a unique calling and destiny for you. So instead of giving place to envy, let it motivate you to become the best possible “you”—the person God intended you to be. If you’re fighting a losing battle with envy, here’s a prescription from God’s Word you need to take every day: “Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice” (Ps 16:5-9 NLT).

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