21 Thus my heart was grieved,
And I was [a]vexed in my mind.
22 I was so foolish and ignorant;
I was like a beast before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You hold me by my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory. (Psalms 73:21-24 NKJV)
Do you go through periods where you are simply vexed in your mind. It is an odd turn of phrase to be sure. Not one we hear a lot, but one that conveys how you feel very well.
Webster says that to be vexed is to feel irritated, annoyed or frustrated. The mind gets vexed with something and cannot let it go. In Psalm 73, written as a contemplation by Asaph, he is vexed by the success of the wicked. He is deep in a comparison of his life and those he sees as wicked but prospering. He laments this to God but soon realizes that in the end being close to God is far more valuable.
The comparison game, whether with good people or bad is one of pride. Our pride cries out that we are not given what we deserve. But the reality is that God is good to everyone, for if we got what we deserved it could be far worse.
Reflect on: How vexed you get when comparing your life with others. Are you letting social media cause you to play the comparison game?