From that time on, Saul kept a jealous eye on David. The very next day a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave in his house like a madman. David was playing the harp, as he did each day. But Saul had a spear in his hand, and he suddenly hurled it at David.. – 1 Samuel 18: 9-11

We don’t call jealousy the green-eyed “monster” for no reason!

It’s one of the most dangerous and blinding spirits known to man, and it’s been rearing its ugly head since Cain and Abel.

And let’s face it, we’ve all been jealous of someone at some point in our lives.

However, for some of us, the monster clings on so tightly that it’s almost impossible for anyone to loosen its grip.

But if we examine Saul’s jealousy of David in the book of 1 Samuel, we’ll see very clearly why holding on to envy is self-destructive, like taking 10 shots of cyanide.

After David slew Goliath, Scripture tells us that Saul “kept a jealous eye on David” after he heard a group of women singing:

Saul has killed his thousands,

and David his ten thousands!

Now if Saul had evaluated the situation with humility, he would’ve understood that David was only able to slay Goliath with the help of God.

Instead of casting an evil eye on David, he should’ve asked God to increase his faith so that he could continue to be victorious in battle.

And the same goes for us.

Instead of looking out at what others seem to have and feeling like we’ve been dealt a bad hand in life, we should humbly ask God to give us more faith and understanding.

Because God is no respecter of persons; ALL of God’s children are blessed in their due seasons.

Interestingly, God punished Saul for his transgression against David by afflicting him with an even stronger tormenting (or evil) spirit.

His jealousy became pure, soul-eating hatred.

And while David was not harmed, Saul was driven further away from communion with God due to his rage.

Because jealousy and love cannot coexist. We can’t love someone and be envious of them.

So if God is love, then we separate ourselves from Him when we become jealous of others.

Holding on to jealousy is also a very clear demonstration of a lack of faith. It’s a belief that God can’t do for us what He’s done for someone else.

And God can’t move on our behalf without our faith.

So in essence, we curse ourselves with our own jealousy, never allowing ourselves to experience the full blessings of God that we so desperately desire.

We have to be careful to keep our hearts in check, lest we end up like Saul.

Who fell on his own sword…

If you struggle with jealousy, ask God to purify your heart and help you understand that you and your life are uniquely and wonderfully made. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with love so that others will be blessed by your presence and so that you can be blessed with the desires of your heart.

Be blessed,

Alexia