Social media gives me access to curated images of other people’s lives. I can catch glimpses of their parties, travels, families, and perfectly arranged homes. Taken out of context, these skewed insights can begin to fan the flames of envy and jealousy in my life. Envy is the first step to feeling justified in wanting what someone else has. Envy gives birth to jealousy, a drive to take away what someone else has. These sins build upon themselves and lead to destruction.

Envy and jealousy grow in the incubator of dissatisfaction and perceived unfairness. Ultimately, it’s the lie we can choose to believe that God is keeping a good gift from us. He’s holding back what is rightfully ours. This goes back to that apple in the Garden of Eden.

King Saul did not have access to social media but somehow became insanely jealous of David. He observed David’s success, influence, and leadership abilities, and rather than being grateful to have someone so talented on his team, he sought to kill David.

In Psalm 54, David cries out to God with a desperate request for rescue.

Save Me

1O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might.
2 O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.
3 For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. Selah
(Psalm 54:1-3 ESV)

In verse 1, David calls on God for victory based on God’s reputation and His might. He then begs God to listen and hear him. He explains what he is dealing with, ruthless men who seek his life. These men blindly follow Saul’s demands and do not seek the Lord’s guidance. He is not before them.

Praise and Thanksgiving

4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
5 He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them.
6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.
(Psalm 54:4-6 ESV)

After making an explicit request, David ceases to beg. He now switches his focus to thanksgiving and praise.

David praises God as his helper, an upholder of life, a returner of evil, faithful, and the one who can end these enemies once and for all.

Declaration

7 For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies. (Psalm 54:7 ESV)

David completes his prayer with a declaration of absolute confidence in God. He declares God’s victory over the enemies even amid the battle. This battle is not over, but David stands confidently under God’s protective hand. This victorious statement points to Jesus’ ultimate victory over all sin.

• What kind of deliverance do you need this season in your life?
• Has envy and jealousy taken up residence in your own heart?
• Does it lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and fear of missing out?
• Or are you being chased by fear or anxiety?
• Where and when can you declare victory over these enemies of our souls based on the one who fights for you?

Prayer

Lord, You are my deliverer.

You see my struggles.

You see my enemies.

You will put them to an end in Your perfect way and in Your perfect timing. You are always worthy of my trust. Please guard my heart against the influence of envy and jealousy. Thank you, in Jesus’ mighty and victorious name, AMEN.