It’s so easy to say things like “everyone is on a different path/timeline, so don’t compare your journey with others” or “comparison is the thief of joy, so focus on your own hustle”. Yeah, we get it!
But can we be honest with ourselves for one second and admit that it does sting a little when our path feels excruciatingly long, and the hurdles keep popping up while you’re stuck in an endless game of whack-a-mole. Can we admit that, despite our efforts, there are still moments when we hear that quiet but also insanely loud voice in our head calling our attention to others’ achievements while we’re still stuck in the formative years of our lives, trying to figure out what exactly we even want to do.
Well, whether you want to admit it or not, don’t worry, I’ll admit it on your behalf, cause I know it’s something we all struggle with. Even the most self-confident of people still stagger in their steps when they scroll through LinkedIn and read some amazing updates that make them question whether we are all living in the same world and facing the same realities.
Wanna know where it gets sticky? Having these feelings or emotions doesn’t make you less proud or happy for these people, especially when they are friends or family. In fact, you probably feel a bit of guilt when you find yourself whispering “God, what about me, when will it be my time” and then you repeat “but I’m really happy for this person omg!” like a mantra, as though the more you say it, the more you’re convinced that you’re not a bad person.
Well, guess what, you’re not a bad person, you’re just human, and it sucks, so deal with it.
Having a moment of “God, when” doesn’t in any way diminish the genuineness of your good wishes for others, and it doesn’t make you insecure or ungrateful. Give yourself grace, love. You’re waging wars no one sees while holding on to promises only whispered to you from God. Only you know the sleepless nights and tears that have been sown in the place of prayer. So, yes, it’s okay to want answers and a bit of light in a dark situation.
So, what’s the middle ground? How do we stay grounded enough not to let comparison steal our joy, while still giving ourselves the grace to feel what we feel, which is completely human by the way?
Hebrews 6:19 says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul; it is safe and secure.”
We all need an anchor, because without one, our emotions drift and comparison will pull us in every direction. God’s word and his promises are the only things that can keep us grounded and keep us from easily swaying.
Psalm 73:21–26 says, “When my heart was grieved, and my feelings were hurt, I was as stupid as an animal; I did not understand you. Yet I always stay close to you, and you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your instructions, and at the end, you will take me into glory. What else do I have in heaven but you? Since I have you, what else could I want on earth? My mind and my body may fail, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need.
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”
Never let anyone invalidate what you feel. It’s okay to feel hurt, weak and have a heavy heart filled with questions. But it’s not okay to sit in it and let it consume you. The way to prevent this? Hold on to God, your strength, stay close to him; he will guide and hold you.
After all, he is all you need, and nothing else matters.
Let’s Say This Prayer Together:
Dear God,
It’s me again. I’m still holding on to your promises as you told me to; patiently waiting for their fulfilment. But God, some days I still find myself wishing my answers would come sooner.
Abba, my heart feels heavy in ways I can’t always explain. Even though I know the words you’ve spoken over my life, I sometimes quietly wonder if it’ll ever be my time to be celebrated the same way I celebrate others.
Daddy, help me remember that what I feel is simply human. But above all, please anchor my heart to your truth so I’m not swayed by these emotions. Remind me that you’re holding my hand, guiding my steps, and writing my story in a unique, intentional and beautiful way.
Amen.
Comparison may shake you, but it doesn’t have the power to sink you……not when your anchor holds.
Always remember, on those lonely days, your online family is here for you. Never feel shy to reach out to us here-https://www.justhummingbird.com/contact-me/ or here-https://stats.sender.net/forms/e7ly1a/view