The Human Condition

I’ve always seen posts that say, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” and I agreed to a certain extent, though I hadn’t given it much thought—until the thief of joy was at my front door. This morning, I logged onto my old Facebook account, scrolled a bit, and noticed my joy was being stolen. A few friends had thriving businesses; others were getting married, welcoming grandchildren, running marathons, traveling the world, or closing on new homes. The list goes on.

I’m not a jealous person, and I’ve never been one, so don’t get me wrong—I’m so genuinely happy for them, and I wish them the absolute best. Yet still, a small part of me wonders, “What about me?” Has God forgotten about me? Have I not fasted enough? Given enough? Prayed enough? Believed enough? Why does it seem like the world is passing me by while I live the same year over and over again?

I don’t know why these things have been elusive in my life or why it even bothers me at this point. I feel as though I’ve not accomplished anything in these 48 years of life, as if I’m living the same struggle year after mundane year. I know that one day I’ll walk in the fullness of the promise. That’s the hope I cling to in these lean times. I know the valley isn’t fun, but how can we appreciate the high if we never experience the low?

God hasn’t forgotten me—or you. The walk of faith requires full trust and assurance in Him. We can trust Him not to mismanage our lives or overlook us. It’s the human condition that makes us struggle with this. If we could get that under control, the faith walk would be a piece of cake. Be encouraged this wonderful Sunday morning.