Log in

View Full Version : How to manage envy and fear


elizhuie
Nov 19, 2008, 12:42 PM
I am new to Christianity.
I have been wondering if God has a plan for me and why I have so much trouble hearing Him.
Today, dawned on me that I am filled with Envy of everyone. It is terrible!! I can barely stay in my own life because I'm so busy looking at everyone else's and comparing.
Is this why I am so fearful? I am still looking for money and relationships to fix everything. Will I get this right? I so want to have God's peace and strength, and then my head goes careening off the other way.
Help?

450donn
Nov 19, 2008, 01:17 PM
Congratulations.
The Lord speaks to everyone in different ways. For me it is through music many times. Other times it is simply a word. As an example there was a couple giving a testimony last weekend. They happen to be farmers. Anyhow, he was praying about trying to be a good steward of the land and God gave him the word "chicken manure". Now what does that have to do with anything right? A couple weeks later at his church he met another fellow and as they were talking the conversation go around to what they each did. Turns out this other guy works for Foster Farms and he has access to tons of free chicken manure. Ends up that Foster Farms gave him a spreader and the manure for free and after doing some testing it turns out that the nutrients in the manure was exactly what his soil needed. OK, my point is that God speaks in sometimes mysterious ways. A word I got a while back for a friend was "be still and hear my voice" See we cannot here the voice of God when we are so busy blabbing with our own voice. During your prayer time, make it a point to just be silent for a few minutes and you will be surprised how much God wants to talk to you.
Remember that fear and jealously are tools of the devil and therefore have no place in our lives. Do we all have fearful times? Sure, but you need to recognize that this fight you are in is spiritual not physical.
If you have not yet done so, not find a good church family to get involved with. Also small groups are vitally important so find one and get involved. You will be surprised how much they can help you.

cogs
Nov 19, 2008, 05:42 PM
450donn that's what I'm talkin' 'bout! Coincidences, and listening to god. This is real world christianity.
elizhuie, I believe you are hearing from god already. He's showing you your envy and fear. Repent the best you can, and keep listening.
God reminded me recently that 'perfect love casts out all fear'. In my life, this meant that if I love the lord with my heart, I don't have to fear what he will tell me to do (which has always been my concern).
Abraham loved god, and loved his son (god told him to kill him), but he obeyed god, even without knowing what god's purpose was.
He loved god and trusted his purposes, and god did not kill his son. God also blessed abraham.

saintjoan
Nov 19, 2008, 10:03 PM
Sounds like a guilty conscience to me. God's plan is for all to be saved. This occurs when one places his trust in Jesus Christ alone for his salvation. At that point he is filled with the Holy Spirit and has the guarantee of eternal life.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

arcura
Nov 19, 2008, 11:00 PM
elizhuie,
Welcome to Christianity. There is great Joy in heaven that you have become a Christian and I am very happy for you.
All the answers to your problems are found in the bible, particularly in the New Testament.
Envy is very much linked to covetousness or pride and greed.
In reality just because someone has something you are envious of does not reveal to you the many problems that person may have.
Examples: Many people who are beautiful toi look at are ugly inside of have ugly problems.
Also many people who are very rich are miserable and spiritually bankrupt and don't even know why.
You might should poner the famous short prayer of St. Teresa of Avila.
It is...
"Never worry, never fear. All things are passing. Only God matters. In Jesus name, amen".
It is called a self instructive prayer.
In keeping it in mind while praying it it keeps you on the path of trust in God and at the same time asking God for help with a stronger faith.
I hope this is helpful for you.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)