Are your feelings eating you up?

Do you know that feeling, when you see someone and automatically feel jealous? Jealous of their looks or even their reputation? Jealous of their family or the car they drive?

Perhaps you're even jealous of the people who can attend that cool church you keep seeing on social media, but it's unfortunately too far away. And as you sit in your small village church on Sundays, you think, "Oh man, if only I were there, everything would be different."

Well, let's learn together today. Specifically, from the proverb that says:

"Those who are calm and collected live healthy lives; jealousy is like a cancer in the bones." (Proverbs 14:30 NLT)

Wow. That's quite an intense image! Jealousy is like a cancer in the bones, just because you're jealous? Yes, it starts internally. You may not notice it, but others can see it.

You can't shine when your inner self is struggling. That's why you need to bring balance to your inner self, as recommended in the verse.

"But my situation is what it is, Déborah," you might be thinking. Yes, your situation may be what it is, but your God can change you internally, even if your situation remains the same externally.

He has already given you everything you need to bring this balance into your life.

• His Word: "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."

(Psalm 119:105 NLT)

• His friendship: "I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me." (John 15:15 NLT)
• And most importantly, He provides us with everything: "God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." (1 Timothy 6:17 NLT)

Be aware of this, no matter what's going on in your life right now. Then you'll avoid being eaten up by your feelings and start shining—despite it all—right where you are (no matter where that is)!

You are a miracle!

Déborah