“Glory in His holy name, Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!” 1 Chronicles 16:10

Comparisons

How often do we compare ourselves to others? If you are like me, many times a day. Not because I am unsatisfied with my own life and the blessings bestowed upon me and my family but because, so often, my thoughts are constantly on myself. Don’t get me wrong—I fully believe a little comparison is a good thing, in the sense that we can better ourselves by learning from others. However, an obsession of wanting what others have, whether that be material things or spiritual things, can distract us from the true fulfillment God has for us.

In Ezra chapter 3, the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem began. As the foundation of the new temple was complete, priests stood in their robes to blow trumpets and the Levites stood with cymbals. “And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord: ‘For He is good, For His mercy endures forever toward Israel.’ Then all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid” (Ezra 3:11). Though most who had worked on the temple’s foundation were overjoyed by God’s faithfulness, others wept because they had known of the magnificent temple built by Solomon 50 years earlier. They were comparing Solomon’s temple to the one being created and they were disappointed it would not be as elaborate as the last.

What we can learn from these verses is that the beauty or size of the building was not nearly as important as the hearts and attitudes of the builders and worshipers. God cares more about who we are than what we look like or what we accomplish. As the world constantly changes, accomplishments that were once magnificent fade and decay until they eventually disappear altogether. If our focus is on the Lord, and we seek Him wholeheartedly, then there will be no need to compare ourselves or our works to anyone else. 1 Chronicles 16:10 says, “Glory in His holy name, Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!” The one and only Savior will impart confidence in God and empowerment to do His will if we let go of what we think we should be and do and walk in our true fulfillment that only God knows.

“Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness. You are so good to me and Your love really does endure forever! God, I pray that You would help me to focus on You each and every day. Remind me that my worth is found in You and not in others. Help me to realize that only in You can I reach my full potential. Thank You, Lord, for being patient with me as I learn to be a better steward of Your love. Amen.”