Comparison. I’m pretty sure we all do it. But this toxic tendency also tends to increase our insecurity, misery, and can make us feel as if the Lord loves others more than us. Today’s guest, Dr. Michelle Bengtson, offers a much more hopeful, and encouraging practice able to turn our competitions into celebrations.

Why did God open those doors for her and not me? What did she do that I didn’t, to deserve the picture-perfect family? Why have her books been more successful than mine? Those are the sneaky thoughts that filter into my unguarded mind, like sand into my sandals even weeks after leaving the beach. It’s not something I’m proud of…it’s embarrassing. But the enemy knows how to distract me from my identity, the source of my worth, and my calling: comparison and jealousy. Maybe you can relate.

Jealousy sneaks into our hearts in subtle ways. We scroll through social media, see the successes of others, and feel that quiet sting of comparison. Without realizing it, we begin to question God’s goodness, wondering why we don’t have what others do. But here’s the truth: jealousy shifts our focus from what we have to what we lack. In contrast, gratitude turns our hearts back to the abundant blessings God has provided.

One powerful way to overcome jealousy is to cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment.

Paul’s words teach us that contentment doesn’t come from having it all; it comes from a grateful heart that recognizes God’s sufficiency in every season. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content…I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound”. (Philippians 4:11-12 ESV)

When we actively look for things to thank God for, we invite Him to transform our mindset. Instead of longing for someone else’s story, we start cherishing our own. After all, God’s plan for each of us is unique and purposeful. The moment we start to count our blessings, we see how He has equipped us with all we need for our own journey.

Thank God for His specific blessings. When we focus on what we’re grateful for, jealousy loses its grip. Through gratitude, God shifts our perspective from comparison to contentment. Then we see that what God has given us is not only enough but abundant.

In what ways does jealousy threaten your peace?

How will you choose gratitude today, allowing God to fill you with His peace and contentment?

Father, help us to be grateful for all you’ve done and who you are, knowing you are sufficient for every need. Amen.

Get to Know Dr. Michelle:

Dr. Michelle Bengtson is the author of the multiple award-winning books Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression, Hope Prevails Bible Study, and AWSA Book of the Year: “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises. She is also the author of Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right, The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms, and Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise that Your Past is Not Wasted. She is the host of the top-rated podcast, Your Hope Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson. Her ministry’s goal is to restore hope, renew minds, and empower others to live in their God-given identity, and she provides regular hope for her readers at DrMichelleB.com.

Catch her conversation with my cohost Carol McCracken on the Faith Over Fear podcast, episode titled “Finding God in Our Pain”.

Check out her latest release, Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted:

We all endure trials, pain, and hardship in this life. The enemy often uses those experiences to convince us that our brokenness disqualifies us from ever being used by God again–that we can no longer be a testimony because of our emotional or physical scars. The truth is, your past pain and brokenness actually serve as preparation for what God wants to do in you and through you, if you will but surrender to and trust in him.

In Sacred Scars, neuropsychologist and fellow sufferer Dr. Michelle Bengtson helps you

· understand suffering through a biblical perspective
· discover how the trials of your life serve a purpose
· reflect on the healing that God has accomplished
· comfort others with the comfort God has given you

Just as Jesus’s scars didn’t disappear after his resurrection, our scars tell our story and lend credence to our testimony of the love and power of God. If you are ready to turn your past pain into present comfort and future hope, let Dr. Bengtson be your compassionate guide.

Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

From Bondage to Abundance: One Woman's Testimony About Learning to Live Free – Faith Over Fear

Without God's perfect love, we cannot be free from condemnation and the bondage that we all face here on earth. But with God, we can live life and live it abundantly. Before knowing the Lord, Marina was living in bondage. Hear Marina’s incredible testimony and the ways God is using her story now as she serves in the Samaritan’s Purse Germany office. This episode was created by Samaritan's Purse and is part of their On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse podcast content, shared with permission. Resources: Listen to “Fighting Spiritual Battles: Human Trafficking in Berlin,” to hear more about Alabaster Jar and how God is transforming hearts amid spiritual darkness. Marina Nobiling, director of national programs at the Samaritan’s Purse Germany office, shed light on the current cultural and spiritual climate of Germany and talked about the ongoing Samaritan’s Purse projects in the country. There is an immense need for the Gospel to be preached in Germany and for Bible-believing churches to step up and lead. “We want to stand for the Gospel. We want to stand for Jesus … And we want to show in our programs and projects what it's like to be with Him; to be living with Jesus.” – Marina Nobiling Before coming to Christ, Marina said she was not merely neutral towards God, she was an enemy. Marina was in bondage—she battled an eating disorder and anxiety for years to the point of planning to take her own life. But when Marina had an encounter with the Lord, everything changed.  “And I had a voice in my head: ‘I want you to live. And you can do it with my help’ … It was beyond any doubt clear. That's Jesus. My whole life I had the wrong thinking. That's not true. God exists.” – Marina Nobiling Marina went from believing that the Gospel was an old superstition to knocking on the door of the nearest church, asking to be baptized. She was on fire for God. Marina now takes this compassion to the streets of Berlin, ministering to women who are trapped in prostitution. She remembers what it was like to be in bondage and desires for others like her to be free; to be transformed by the love of Christ.  Life can be hard, and Marina still struggles, but she has something to turn to that cannot be shaken: God’s Word. Marina created a “first aid kit” with Psalms and Scriptures that speak to her when she is fighting lies or feeling weighed down by fears. Her favorite verse, Isaiah 43:1, reminds her that she belongs to the Lord—nothing can take that away. “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’” – Isaiah 43:1, ESV If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1. From Bondage to Abundance: One Woman's Testimony About Learning to Live Free 18:40
2. How God Helps Us Get to and Resolve the Root of Our Anxiety 30:51
3. Calm Anxiety and Overwhelm Through Time With Christ 27:15
4. Break Free from Shame: Carol McCracken’s Story of Freedom and Restoration 33:15
5. Feeling Left Out? Christ Seats You at the Table of Honor 27:42