By Pastor Andrew Farland
One of the hardest things about living with constant technological developments is that we are hyperconnected to everyone.
We see every picture our friends post online, we see how much fun they’re having, and then we start comparing.
Think about it. When you see someone’s family photo or selfie, do you quickly compare your level of happiness with theirs? If so, you’re just like me. It’s really hard not to compare yourself with others, especially when you’re in a state of depression.
When I was struggling with depression and anxiety, I would compare my pain with the success or joy of others. For some reason, the comparison game is heightened during the darkest times.
As someone who has gone through it and still fights daily to not go back into the valley, I want to share a simple yet profound piece of advice.
Catch your own wave.
Imagine that you’re walking early one morning by Huntington Beach in California and you see a group of surfers on the water. There are about 15 of them spread along the horizon, waiting to catch a wave, so you stop to watch for a few minutes. Finally, one of the paddles hops up onto his board and surfs a beautiful California wave. The others then follow.
What do you think would have happened if that first surfer had been looking at everyone else waiting for their waves to come? What would have happened if he was watching the other surfers? He would never have gotten up on his board!
The same thing applies to your life. When you’re tempted to compare yourself to other people and their photographs, you need to remember to catch your own wave. If you look around too much, you might miss the miracle that God wants to do in you.
Galatians 1:10
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Be encouraged today because God is with you.
