You covet but do not possess.
James 4:2a
 
When Scripture uses the word covet, it is always meant in a negative connotation. Covet means to want something that doesn’t belong to us. And here James tells us that, because we want what is not ours, coveting leads to battles and fights. We are envious of others’ possessions, money, status, or influence.  And our culture is constantly pressing us to do more, have more, be more.
 
But James says, that is not the real problem. As long as we allow ourselves to focus on what we don’t have, we are not focusing on what God has already given us. When we change from seeking worldly things to seeking God’s grace, we can experience a shift in our mindset. Without the envious desires, our hearts can change to desiring God.
 
Wherever you feel like you covet, where you don’t have enough or aren’t doing enough, place that before God.  Pray that your desires will start to align with God’s purpose for you.