“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” 

Proverbs 14:30

I think envy is something that so many people, especially women, struggle with, whether they know it or not. I know this is certainly the case for myself. I’ve recently been super convicted about just how much I truly envy others. For so long I’ve felt very justified in it. My envy tends to be expressed in the critiques and criticisms of others. This tends to happen most on social media or in Church settings…the two areas in my life where I experience the most vulnerability. I frequently find myself criticizing others, but specifically other women. 

I see another woman with a ring on her finger.

I see another woman blessed with physical beauty.

I see another advance in her career.

I immediately feel threatened. 

I am green with envy. 

In an attempt to temporarily lessen this envy I love to pick these women apart. I too often think thoughts like, “Ok so she’s engaged, but her fiancé isn’t that cute, or he doesn’t make that much money.” Like…WHAT in the HECK is all this ugliness that’s been living in my heart? Why do I love to lie to myself and say, “well I’m just being real.” I don’t like to sugar coat anything as if that somehow justifies both the ugly act of judging someone else and the envy that is ultimately in my heart.

The times I find myself becoming more and more envious are the times where my spiritual resources are absolutely depleted. I am thirsty but I stopped going to the well. 

Sisters! The only way to do away with this spirit of envy is to go to Jesus (the well). HE is the only one who can fill you back up. Jesus is the one who tells you who you are and that you are supremely loved, equipped, and treasured. When we know who we are in Christ, when we have our true identity in Him, we don’t have a reason to feel threatened by what others have. Because ultimately that threat, that envy, is fear telling you that in some way you are inadequate. 

Please know this. God created this beautiful, unique, intelligent, passionate woman of God. Allow Him to speak over you. Let Him be the one to tell you how incredible you are. I believe when we spend more time with Him, we spend less time wishing we could have or even be what others are. Arise beloved, and run to The One who can tell you who you are.