Read an Excerpt
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. ---2 Corinthians 4:18
Devotion #1
'A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.'---Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)
The Green-Eyed Monster
A peaceful heart is relaxed and easy, not tense and fearful. This peace of mind and heart will actually give you a longer, healthier life. But envy and jealousy gnaw at you, deep inside. The Bible says it can even rot your bones. That's pretty unhealthy!
Envy and jealousy can take you totally by surprise. You see your dad holding your little step-sister or hugging his new wife. The stab of jealousy can jab hard. Or maybe it's a milder form of envy. You'd give anything for your classmate's designer jeans. Instead, you wear big sister's hand-me-downs and shop at thrift stores.
These are perfectly innocent moments, but how you feel during these times---and what you do about it--- is what counts.
Jealousy is sneaky. It's natural to compare ourselves to others or want what someone else has. But when that comparison makes us unhappy, we're probably feeling jealous. Notice how you feel about the good fortune of others: their cool clothes, perfect looks, or their attention in the spotlight. If you feel anything but peace in your heart, you might be feeling jealous. Can you be happy for them instead? Can you compliment them on an outstanding performance or their pretty outfit? Taking positive action is a quick way to kill that green-eyed monster.
The Bible says in James 3:16 that where you have envy (which is another word for jealousy), you will find disorder and every evil practice. Not good! The sooner you tackle these emotions, the easier they are to defeat. God wants you to have a heart filled with peace. A heart at peace is a heart focused on God. So the next time you feel jealous, ask God to help you put jealousy in its place---out of your life!
More to Explore: Read James 3:13--18
Did You Know
. . . you can read about jealousy in Genesis 37? When Joseph's halfbrothers envied his fancy clothes and were jealous of Joseph's special attention, their evil actions changed history!
Girl Talk:
Are you jealous of someone? Be honest with yourself, but more importantly, be honest with God. He will help you overcome jealousy.
God Talk:
Lord, I am really jealous of _______________. I know that I shouldn't be, but I am. Forgive me. Please help me to love this person like you do. Thank you for all the good things in my life. Help me to focus on all the blessings I already have instead of envying the blessings of others. And thank you for blessing _______________. I know you have more than enough blessings to go around. Amen.
Devotion #2
'What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.'---Luke 12:6--7 (NLT)
Million Dollar Hair
If God cares for small birds that are worth only a couple pennies, then imagine how much more he cares for you. He watches over you so closely that he even knows how many hairs you have on your head. You don't ever need to be afraid. God says you are valuable: of great worth, precious, and priceless!
Get outside for a minute. Watch the birds overhead as they glide on the breeze without a care in the world. They aren't worried about where their next worm is coming from! 'Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are.' (Matthew 6:26 NLT) If God provides every need for the birds, how much more will he take care of you?
Thinking deeply about this truth can help when you feel sad and lonely, when you think no one notices you. If he is concerned enough to count every hair on your head, then God is even more concerned about your nightmares, that fight with your friend, your dream of being a nurse, and yes, even your frizzy hair. God---the Creator of the whole universe---cares deeply and personally about you.
You are precious to God!
More to Explore: Luke 12:22--31
Did You Know
. . . that even David, great king of Israel and close friend to God, felt unimportant and overlooked at times? Read Psalm 13.
Girl Talk:
Have you ever felt lonely, even if you're around by family or friends? Take a walk in a park, or look through a nature magazine, to remind you that God takes care of everything in this world, including you! It's a perfect time to ask God to fill you with his love.
God Talk:
'Lord, I'm feeling all alone today. I don't know why I'm so valuable to you, but I thank you for your unfailing love. Please help me remember how much you care for me. Amen.'
Fun Factoid:
An average head has approximately 100,000 hairs on it. Redheads have about 90,000 hairs. Brunettes have about 110,000 hairs, and blondes have about 140,000 hairs.
