Comparison to others is hard to avoid in this era of social media. People post about everything from food to relationships - and they make it look good!
Marriage, in particular, has a spotlight on it and everyone has an opinion. It can leave you lost and confused. Your marriage doesn't measure up to those you see on social media, and you are fearful you and your spouse are not meant to be together. A past hurt from your spouse has you fearful if your marriage will make it. You and your spouse just cannot get on the same page, and you fear the inevitability of divorce.
We find in Jeremiah 29:11 that God has a plan for our lives - to prosper and not harm, plans to give hope and a future. Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that God did not give us a spirit of fear. Our worth is not found in the similarities to or differences from others, it is found in God. The prophet Isaiah tells us in 43:4 that we are precious in his sight, and he loves us. We must believe in ourselves as much as God believes in us.
When we find ourselves stuck comparing our marriages to others or even to the past, find comfort in the fact that God is with us. He is aware of our weaknesses and shortcomings so lean on Him during those times of fear. New days bring new challenges, but you will never succeed unless you start from where you are.
Wallace & Jamie Miles Atlanta, GA