Jealousy

Jealousy is not a word with which I normally identify myself.  I am not covetous of others' things; I do not have even the slightest concern in regard to my husband's relationships.  As it turns out though, I am jealous of some people.  The sensitivity of the issue prevents me from going into detail, but suffice it to say that, what I feel like I am missing in my life is deference. I am struggling with a lack of respect from certain people in my life, respect that I feel I have earned. I feel unjustly dismissed. When I see others whose opinions are respected, whose feelings are considered, who are given the deference they deserve, my heart cries out, "Why not me?".  In this particular situation, there are even some who have blatantly abused their power and authority who continue to receive the respect I have worked for years to earn. As I've been trying to overcome these feelings through prayer and study, attempting to see God's path of peace rather than my path of jealousy, I have been reminded that we serve a jealous God (Ex. 34:14). He deserves our deference, our respect and He, too, is unjustly dismissed - on a far grander scale than I can ever imagine. So, I am before you, asking that you take a moment and look at how you treat our Lord. Remember all He has done for us and how little we have done for Him. And then, if you can, say a prayer for me, that God will soften my heart and show me His path. Many thanks and may God bless you all!