“I’ll try sometime next year,” I promised, although I had my doubts if I could afford it then. My financial situation seemed hopeless.

“I’ll pay for your plane ticket,” Valerie said. “All I have to do is work one extra day, and it’s paid for.” She had such a giving heart, but her generous offer made me feel frustrated that I couldn’t afford it myself. I replied with a quiet, “Um-hmm.” I was having a hard time not envying Valerie’s financial success. She had a wonderful job as a nurse, and her husband made a great salary, but she didn’t understand that I couldn’t just book a flight to come and see her. And I didn’t feel right accepting her money. I wanted to see my sister, but I didn’t want her to have to foot the bill.

“Call me soon,” she said and hung up before I could answer. I prayed silently, God, please help me be content with my life. I don’t like feeling jealous of Valerie’s financial success. Help me be happy for her instead of envious that it’s not me.

It can be tempting to envy another person’s financial success. But God doesn’t want us wasting our time feeling dissatisfied. He wants us to be grateful for the blessings He has given us. Proverbs 14:30 reminds us that “a tranquil heart is life to the body, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.”

Maybe you’re struggling with envy of some kind. If you are honest with yourself and with God and confess your jealousy, He will help you overcome your dissatisfaction and gain a new appreciation for all of the blessings you do have.