By nature, I am a competitive person. Though I rarely play sports as passionately as I once did, my “combative side” kicks in during subtle competitions: playing board games, comparing hometowns, watching professional sports. But at times, these subtle competitions can take me down a much darker path, turning a playful rivalry into deep envy.

As I grow older, I frequently find myself crossing the line from competitiveness to jealousy. My contentment often hinges on the experiences of others, as if my possessions and accomplishments only feel valid when they keep pace with the competition. When I purchased my latest car, I discreetly analyzed my friends’ cars to make sure I made a responsible decision; when I accepted my latest job, I subconsciously searched LinkedIn to make sure my career path “stacked up” with the path of my closest friends; and when I put a deposit on my latest apartment, I quietly browsed the internet to make sure I landed in the best space, in the best neighborhood. Even though I never verbalized these comparisons, they unearthed a feeling no competitive person wants to experience: insecurity.

In these moments, degrading questions often flood my mind. How does my life compare? Am I falling behind? Have I made the right decisions? Without pause, I respond by justifying my journey. I just haven’t caught my break. My apartment may be smaller, but I live in a more desirable location. I don’t need a brand-new car to feel accomplished and successful.

Yet so often, as I wrestle with this anxiety, God’s presence shines through. In Philippians 4:19, Paul writes: “And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs” (GNTD).

Today, tomorrow and into the future, I want to trust God for everything. I want to have confidence in his provision—and not in the false security I find in outperforming others. And I want to find pleasure in my friends’ experiences and accomplishments, turning away from envy, jealousy and spite.

The next time you find yourself resenting a friend or loved one, turn to God’s Word for a reminder to rest in contentment. These five verses will get you started:

1. Philippians 2:3 (GNTD)
   Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves.
2. Ecclesiastes 4:4,6 (GNTD)
   I have also learned why people work so hard to succeed: it is because they envy the things their neighbors have. But it is useless. It is like chasing the wind…maybe so, but it is better to have only a little, with peace of mind, than be busy all the time with both hands, trying to catch the wind.
3. 1 Peter 2:1-2 (GNTD)
   Rid yourselves, then, of all evil; no more lying or hypocrisy or jealousy or insulting language. Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved.
4. Philippians 4:11-12 (GNTD)
   And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little.
5. Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 (GNTD)
   So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. All of us should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God's gift.