Work and pressure
It is easy to believe you are the worst version of everyone else. Their holiday, their children, their salary. You are wonderfully made already now — not when you have caught up. Comparison steals joy. Gratitude gives it back, one thing at a time.
I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.
What it means
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. That is thanksgiving to God, not a compliment from people.
How you can live it
When comparison hits: thank God for one thing about how you are made — without polishing it.
the LORD, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.
What it means
The Lord your God is in your midst. He will rejoice over you with gladness.
How you can live it
When you feel like a burden: you are someone to delight in. Receive that.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
What it means
This is not a personality test. It is what starts growing when God lives in you — patience in the queue, kindness in the chat, self-control when everyone else says yes.
How you can live it
Pick one fruit to practise today — patience in the queue, kindness in a message.
A prayer
Lord, when I compare myself — remind me I am made by you, not by other people’s eyes. Amen.