Thursday, January 29, 2026

Bible in a Year: Psalms 1-2 | Acts 3

I’ve caught passes from a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, plotted ideas with award-winning writers and directors, and broken bread with those far less famous but equally as accomplished. I’ve watched, wanted, and wished. To say I’m not jealous is to say I’m not human.

This past weekend, we received a more spiritual meaning of jealousy. It’s when God grants someone else what you asked for or wanted. It’s that new car with the automatic starter and heated seats. Or the part in the play that showcases your voice. Perhaps it’s the “perfect” person that your friend is now attached to. Your jealousy is a blessing that God intended for someone else, and it will leave you bitter if you take it too far.

I’m far less jealous in my 40s, but it took lessons of gratitude to get here. Now, I generally smile when I hear about my peers' successes. I buy their books, cheer them on during big games, and feel a bit of pride when I use my gifts to help them succeed.

James 1:17 NIV
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

The antidote for jealousy is gratitude, but to get there, you have to go deeper with your thankfulness.

You’re thankful that God woke you up today.... Now you can dedicate time to Scripture and prayer to arm yourself to seize the day.

You’re grateful that your friend found their person, but what’s next? Your friend isn’t alone, so pray that they are equally yoked in their relationship.

That’s gratitude in action.

To be jealous is to envy, desire, or resent. It’s a lack of satisfaction with what you do have. And what you do have is good. It’s enough because you’re still here.

Be thankful, and then show gratitude for what you are grateful for. Say to yourself, then to God, “I can sing a billion songs. Dance till my feet are numb. Can’t praise you enough. You sang till I found my song. Danced till my heart woke up. Can’t praise you enough” (“Thank You” by Maverick City Music).

You were born to live. That’s only one of the many good gifts God has given you. He doesn’t owe you anything, but he still gives you more.

Questions:
Who are you jealous of and why? Why do you feel God owes you anything? What do you owe yourself?

Next Steps:
Show gratitude by naming and reflecting on the blessings God has gifted you; a gratitude journal is a great start. Be a better steward of your time, resources, and relationships by adding prayer, reading scripture, group life, and serving to your calendar.

Prayer:
God, my blessings are mine, and I don’t need to compare them to anyone else’s. Thank you for those gifts. Thank you for continuing to pour into me, especially when I overlook your grace due to my jealousy and selfishness. You deliver me from resentment and envy while surrounding me with love, and I appreciate you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Hebrews 2:1
So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.