God is Jealous for You

When you hear the word jealousy, there is a good chance it gives you that slump or ugh type of feeling, right? In our lives, jealousy is one of those repulsive emotions that we just don’t have time for. It is disruptive, breaking up friendships and relationships. And, quite honestly, when we see someone who is jealous, we often assume that perhaps the individual has some insecurities or even has a selfish nature.

There is also a good chance that you, at one time or another, were that jealous person.

But, let’s put all that aside for a moment and take a look at the real definition of the word jealous. Here’s what Merriam-Website online has to say:

“Definition of jealous

1 : hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage…

2a : intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness…

b : disposed to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness…

3 : vigilant in guarding a possession…”

Do any of those sound like your God? How is your God, our God, a jealous God?

“You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods.”

Exodus 20:3-5 (NLT)

In any relationship – particularly a marriage – each person seeks the attention and affection of the other, don’t they? So, what happens when, say, one of the individuals spends too much time chasing a hobby or staying long hours at work?

Right. The other spouse becomes jealous of that work or hobby. Make sense?

God is not bitter. God is not insecure. God is not selfish. God is not self-centered, full of pride, or spite. God is none of those things. Do you know what God is?

God is righteous. God is holy. God is all knowing, all powerful, and he is everywhere. God is mighty. God is peace. And, God is love. God is so many things. He is also jealous. Righteously jealous.

“Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.”

Deuteronomy 7:9 (NLT)

What creates jealousy?

Life is busy, isn’t it? Depending on our personal situations, there are often things like work, school, family, bills, movies, games, social media, friends, and so forth that pull our attention in so many directions.

Let me ask you a question: Where should your attention be? Who should you be seeking first and foremost? Who should you go to with your questions, your worries, your joys?

God.

And, yet, do you?

I know I fail at this sometimes. I have great intentions. And, I want God to always be first. But, my life is busy and it is full and, well, sometimes things just get away from me — does this happen to you, too?

This is when God shows jealousy. He wants our attention. He wants our eyes on him. Not always on work, on a screen, or on various worldly things.

He wants our eyes on him.

God gets jealous of what?

It’s hard to imagine someone as powerful and almighty as our Creator getting jealous, right? I mean, when I first thought about it, it went something like this… What in the world could I do in my little life that would impact such a great God? Everything I have is measly and rubbish compared to his Greatness, isn’t it?

Then it hit me – that’s exactly it! Here I spend time on all these minute, tiny things that don’t matter when this incredibly awesome God is sitting quietly and patiently just waiting for me to look up!

Duh.

If you want to know what will get God’s jealousy flowing, it’s likely this:

How we spend our time. God wants our attention and focus, yes. But that is not the only thing that he wants from our time. He wants us to use it for good. He wants us to grow in our faith. He wants to know that we can be counted on when need arises.

“You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God.”

Exodus 20:9

Owning and being possessive of our belongings. Every single thing under the sun belongs to God. Yet, every time we make a purchase or score a deal on something, we boast about it. We are prideful in our possessions, always seeking the biggest, best, most desired, or glamorous. We often become selfish. And, even forget to practice gratitude.

We’ve all done it. After all, we are broken humans so it is to be expected. But, our attention and love of material earthly things leaves God longing for your attention and love, too. He wants you to boast about him.

“Look, the highest heaves and the earth and everything in it belong to the LORD your God.”

Deuteronomy 10:14

Knowing your purpose. You were created for a purpose, whether you know what it is yet or not. As God watches you grow and maneuver your way through life, he hears your heart. Do you love him? Do you live for him?

“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ “

Matthew 22:37

He is jealous

God is fiercely in love with each one of us. So, when we replace our love and devotion to him and give it to something or someone else, we are giving God something he doesn’t want. Jealousy, then, becomes aroused.

You will never be loved stronger, so count this righteous jealously as just one of your many, many blessings from God.

Until next time… ❤❤