I have been a very jealous human being in my life.  I wanted all the attention I could get.  It has literally taken years to undo my heart and build it right for God.

Jealousy…it comes in many forms.  People can be jealous over anything and

anyone.  It can cause humans to covert things others have.  Where does this emotion stem from? 

There is a lack inside our heart and God puts it there.  When we are born, we are born into sin whether we think so or not.  Nothing like a cute, cuddly baby….I know since I have recently become a grandmother. 

I talk to you today out of experience.  I always would look at others and want what they had.  It didn’t really matter what it was.  If I didn’t have it and it looked appealing to me, I wanted it, be it clothes, house, car, another man….it didn’t matter.

Jealousy would rage in me and I would always yell out, “Why can’t I have those things?”  I learned to control it as I got older and I was then able to keep it hidden.  I have finally been delivered from it but it took a lot of work on my part.  Occasionally I want something more (still to this day) but I am careful to take the feeling to God and explain to Him my viewpoint.  In doing this, it helps me to understand what or why I am feeling this way.

For example, my niece called me right before Christmas, telling me that her boss had a couch he was getting rid of and she suggested it for me.  I have had a loveseat for several years now (which replaced a futon) and have wanted what I call a “big girl” couch so several people could sit together without being squashed. 

The couch was brought over and had a slipcover over it that I discovered hid two tears in the front…fortunately they were for the most part on the seam.  I don’t care for slipcovers in the least so I took it off, looked at the tears, and thought to myself that it wouldn’t cost much to have it repaired.  Then I thought, “I really don’t have the money to do that right now and God might not release me to get them fixed anyway.” I thought about the couch a couple of days and thought, “Can’t I just have a new couch like other people?”  “Must I always take something that someone is getting rid of?”  But I knew this was God’s will, so I shut up and then the Holy Spirit put something on my heart as a way to fix the couch.  And, I still haven’t done it.  My heart just isn’t in it right now, so I cover up the eyesore with a throw.

Yes, that is a small instance but you can apply that to anything.  I have been in houses so big and beautiful that they seem surreal to me and then I wish for one as well.  But, I have learned while walking with God that if something isn’t supposed to be in my path, then I need to accept it and move on.  But I still stew over it (mixed in with some jealousy), and it can cloud my vision, which in turn hinders my life.  Acceptance is a big thing. 

Jealousy…  It can be the green-eyed monster and want anything from man.  But, one of the Ten Commandments requires that we not covet.  Simply put, this means wanting things that belong to others.  WE need to learn to be happy with what we have.  If we are really trying to do God's will, He is so just that He will bring things to us as long as we are being obedient.  I have spent hours telling Him why I would like to have a real home of my own, but if it is not supposed to happen, then I have to accept the fact.  NOT accepting this fact only hurts me. 

God loves us when we are humble and thank Him for what we have.  Always being jealous of what others have can become a bitter root within you and take over your thoughts.  It will have to be pulled out at some point for your own health and well-being.

Today if I see something I would like to have, it goes in my eye and right back out again.  If I have to take authority over it then I do so.  I don’t sit around and dwell on things or other women’s lives, homes and husbands.  Jealousy comes in many forms and it is deadly to you whether you walk with Christ or not.  It is

all consuming and I have seen it over take individuals to the point that it becomes a hidden force that stops them from having true peace in their heart, leading them down paths of destruction.

You have to learn to be happy with what you have.  It is all in the way you perceive it.  If you find yourself “wanting more,” perhaps this want for more was placed there by God, but then again, perhaps not.  The important issue is for you to be able to discern what His will for you is in any given situation.

If you are a single woman, want a husband, and are jealous of those who have one, then take it to God.  Maybe there is a reason He hasn’t brought you one yet.  Maybe He is getting you prepared for one.  Then again, maybe you aren’t supposed to be barking up that tree yet. 

I tell you though, God is all knowing, and if you will just go to Him and tell Him what you want, He (in His time) most likely will let you have it.  He has for me.  Everything I have asked Him for He had gotten to me.  Some things weren’t exactly like I wanted but I knew it was His will for me.  Other things were more than I thought I deserved but He thought I deserved them.  Then lastly, there are those things that are waiting to be loosed to me when God sees fit to loose them.  He has heard every request and every prayer I have ever prayed to Him and has answered them in some fashion.  I am quite certain He gets tired of me, but I would rather have His take on a situation then to try to figure it out my way.

If you are a jealous person always wanting what others have and always gripping because you don’t have, then there is a reason you don’t have.  It is time to STOP (start to pray).  Consider what you want and ask yourself why you want it.  If you feel you must have whatever it is that is consuming your thoughts, take your feelings to God and let Him help you.  Do you think He doesn’t already know? 

Jealousy?  Well, I tell you what.  God says that He is a jealous God, so if you will give your devotion solely to Him, I believe He will give His best to you…..

But, learn to be happy with what you have because until you do, I don’t think He will give you more….Satan might give it to you to try and destroy you but God won’t.

Learn to discern.

Molly