Before I share today’s devotional let me offer a quick reminder that The Up Devotional is going on pause after today for four weeks. I’m having some vacation time! It returns on August 29th. You can listen to past devotionals as a podcast wherever you subscribe, or you can read text versions at TheUpDevo.com. 

Here we go.

Proverbs 14:30 says: “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

Yes, envy certainly does have a rotting effect in our lives. Among other things it rots our contentment!

This is a part of the reason why we need to be careful with how much time we spend on social media. So much of it is about comparing ourselves to others. When we see what other people are doing—and all the nice thigs they have—it often makes us feel worse. Recent studies have shown that high social media use increases depression and anxiety.

Standing on the other side of envy is “a heart at peace.” The source of our peace is Christ. In him, God has given us everything we need the most including forgiveness, grace, salvation, and heaven! Are you confident that God has given these to you in Christ? We’re going to be less envious of the person next door who has a fancy car or the person in our class who always has the latest smart phone or sneakers if we are confident that one day we will be living in heavenly mansions in the glorious presence of God himself!

One of the mantras of our world is “bigger, better, more!” But they continually fail to satisfy. I would much rather a life of “faith, hope and love!” How about you?

Martin Thielen tells a story about a boy who was once asked to draw a picture of the perfect life. He drew his home, some friends, and his church. “I do not need a perfect life,” he said. “I already have [it].”

Contentment lies at the heart of happiness.

Trust in a God who provides. And be at peace.

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

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Notes:

–The Up Devotional returns after summer break on August 29, 2023. 

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.