A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. – (Proverbs 14:30, NIV)
Peace of mind makes the body healthy, but jealousy is like a cancer. – (Proverbs 14:30, ERV)
A tender, tranquil heart will make you healthy, but jealousy can make you sick. – (Proverbs 14:30, TPT)
The heart is at peace when we recognize all of the reasons we have to be grateful. A grateful heart is healthy and happy, thus at peace, no matter the circumstances. However, when we start looking at what others have and make comparisons, jealousy has room to rise and rot our hearts and attitudes. Rather than envy, we ought to be happy for those around us who have what we desire. The heart becomes sick when seeped in wanting what we do not have, yet joy comes to us as we give thanks for all that we do have. God is good and gracious, and we need not allow comparison to steal our peace. We are loved, valued and provided for just as we are, and He grows in us and through us more of what He intended, as we depend on and trust in Him. May we ever seek peace from our Provider, for it is in Him that we find health, happiness and peace.
To understand peace,
Requires gratitude;
All thanks be to God,
Through love, we’re pursued.
Let not jealousy,
Rise up, find a place;
It kills thankfulness,
Dismisses God’s grace.
May we choose seek peace,
By seeking the Lord;
All thanks be to God,
Who loves and adores.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can know true peace as we recognize that gratitude grows peace within us. Thank You that You show us how to protect our hearts and the peace You provide. Forgive us for the times that we have envied those around us. Show us how to celebrate the blessings granted to others and to give all thanks to You for the provision in our lives. Lead us to love those around us in ways that extend Your peace to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your overwhelming peace that surpasses understanding, and depend on You to celebrate others rather than envy what others have. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – Psalm 118:1
Revelations In Writing 