When Comparison Steals Our Focus
Comparison is one of the quiet thieves of a meaningful life. Without realizing it, we can begin shaping our decisions, desires, and sense of worth by watching others instead of listening to God. What we see starts to matter more than what God has said.
The psalmist in Psalm 73 knew this struggle well. He admits,
“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psalm 73:2–3, NIV).
From his perspective, those who ignored God seemed to be winning. They had ease, comfort, and success. Meanwhile, faithfulness felt costly and unrewarding. His comparison led him to a dangerous conclusion—that living righteously wasn’t worth it.
This is what happens when we evaluate life through a narrow lens. When we base our beliefs on what we see and hear around us, we drift. Our focus moves from the interior life to the exterior one, from God’s voice to the loud chorus of the world.
The turning point comes when the psalmist changes where he looks:
“When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God” (Psalm 73:16–17, NIV).
In God’s presence, clarity returns. Perspective is restored. What once looked appealing now looks unstable.
“Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin” (Psalm 73:18, NIV).
The psalmist ends not with answers, but with assurance:
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand” (Psalm 73:23, NIV).
When we view life through God’s lens, comparison loses its grip. The world grows dim, and God’s nearness becomes enough.
Reflection:
Where have you been measuring your life by others instead of by God?
Return often to your “sanctuary”—the place where His voice becomes clear again.
Prayer:
Lord, turn my eyes from comparison and refocus my heart on You. Help me see life as You see it.
SOAP Scripture: Psalm 73
S: (scripture)
Read the above passage and underline, highlight, or write down passages that stand out to you. Maybe re-read it a few times if that’s helpful.
O: (observation)
Write down things you observe about the passage. Maybe it’s a word that stood out to you, something the passage made you think about, or a question that you have.
A: (application)
Write down some ways that the passage applies to your life. Make it personal.
P: (prayer)
Take a moment and pray. Ask God to make the passage practical to your everyday life.
