Comparison: The Road to Depression and Hopelessness

 I often find myself sitting here in between good spells where I feel like I'm finally learning what Paul spoke about in Philippians 4:11.  

"not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. " 

But, then I start comparing. The comparing of my situation to others with lighter burdens tends to spiral me into a pity party of how unfair it is that others get to live normal lives while I'm sitting in prison.  What I think about determines whether my attitude is good or bad. Paul combats this by telling us in Galatians 6:4-5 

"but let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each shall bear his own load." 

I have to remember to carry my load and try not to  compare it to others whose may seem lighter than mine. Paul doesn't wallow in pity or stay stuck on negative thoughts of comparison like I often do. In Philippians 4:8-9 he gives his advice on how to combat this. 

"finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things"

 If we do what Paul is saying, he goes on to say in v9 that "the God of peace will be with you." Focusing on the giver of all good things and what all He has blessed me with helps combat the negative thoughts I find myself stuck in some days.

Comparing other people’s blessings and burdens to mine can easily cause me to spiral into depression and hopelessness. If if I lose hope I can't move forward. The difference between people that make it through tragedies and the ones that don't comes down to hope. Today may seem like hope is fading after years of being letdown by man. Judges, attorneys, friends, circumstances have always led to disappointment. But I can hope in the One who holds my tomorrow and He has always had a plan to make it better. 

This prison cell isn't all that God has for me, even if Satan tries to make me believe that daily. God has never failed to pick up what man has crushed in my life and make it better. From hopelessness, to blessing after blessing that has helped me through this season. He has always made it better and will continue to do so. 

In waiting seasons where I pray and seek God’s will with no evidence anything is being done, Hebrews 6:11 reminds me not to get "sluggish" 

"and we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,  that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." v13 "for when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,  saying, " Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." and so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise."  

Skipping ahead to v19 "this hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil."  

The hope I have is a sure and steadfast anchor to my soul. God promises to work all things for good in romans  8:28  and He has thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give me a future and a hope in Jeremiah 29:11.

 So, if I stop comparing (easier said than done) and patiently endure this season, I know God has so much more for me than this prison He will one day get me out of.