This lesson has come about from my own experience here on Wattpad. There's so many competitions that surround us writers on here, and sometimes these contests can be a good thing or a bad thing. Let's remember not to get too caught up in it, that the Lord will guide us through it all.

The Lord rules as king.
Let the people tremble.
He is enthroned over the angels.
Let the earth quake.
The Lord is mighty in Zion.
He is high above all people.
Let them give thanks to your great and fearful name.
He is holy!
Psalm 99:1-3

You may be a student in school. If you aren't, then you have been at one point in your life.

All around you are competitive spirits. In sports, you strive to make the team because only the best are recognized. In academics, you're competing with your classmates on getting a scholarship or being the best in class.

It's competition all around you. Even at home, it could be with siblings.

Even when you move on from school, competition follows you. In jobs, in social stature, in hobbies... For some, it feels like your life is one big competition.

The king's strength is that He loves justice.
You have established fairness.
You have done what is fair and right for Jacob.
Highly honor the Lord our God.
Bow down at His footstool.
He is holy!
Psalm 99:4-5

It can be stressful striving to be the best in order to succeed.

But there is one place you do not have to feel competition, and that's with God. When you walk with Him, it's just you and God. There is no one else to hinder you, there is no competitive spirit. You don't have to compete for God's love. God wants you for you. There is no need to prove that you're the star student, or that you're the best cheerleader. God already sees all that, and He loves you so much.

Maybe you have failed in life, maybe you're the runner-up, or last in place. Do you know God is for you? That God is there for you always?

If the Lord is for you, who or what can be against you? Place your trust in Him, and He will lead you to victory.

Moses and Aaron were among His priests.
Samuel was among those who prayed to Him.
They called to the Lord, and He answered them.
He spoke to them from a column of smoke.
They obeyed His written instructions and the laws that He gave them.
O Lord, our God, you answered them.
You showed them that you are a forgiving God and that you are a God who punishes their sinful deeds.
Psalm 99:6-8

It's a known fact that those who succeed are held up as models in the spotlight. The rest of the world looks to them for example.

Although people are often considered great if they have success, let's look at Psalm 99. It reminds us that only God is truly great. The Lord is the only ruler of the world, and though you may have met victory after victory, only God is perfect, fair, and strong. Your success can't compare to what the Lord has already overcome. Compared to Him, those set on pedestals in today's society seem small and unimpressive.

If you have been given talents, remember to honor God and give Him the glory.

Ask yourself: How can you use the gifts He has given you to praise Him instead of focusing on competing with others?

Lord, remind me to praise You for the life You have given me. That You are in control. That I overcome the temptation to seek out my own glory with the talents You have given me. That I give all glory to You, Father. Help me to keep my focus on You, and not the world around me. Amen.

Highly honor the Lord our God.
Bow at His holy mountain.
The Lord our God is holy!
Psalm 99:9

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New lesson coming soon this week!