The Photos Don’t Tell the Whole Story
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…or do they?
We don’t see behind the photos.
We don’t hear the arguments that happened before the smiles.
We don’t feel the loneliness hidden behind perfectly posed moments.
We don’t know the pain someone may be desperately trying to forget.
People share what they want to be true—what they hope will become true. The curated glimpses are often more a longing for joy than a reflection of real peace. The truth is, most people aren’t posting their heartbreak, their trauma, their fears, or their breaking points.
And this is where the silent thief creeps in: comparison.
Science confirms it: Research from the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology has shown that social media contributes to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness—specifically because of the highlight reels we constantly absorb.
But the Word said it first:
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” — Mishlĕ/Proverbs 14:30 (TS2009)
“Do not covet…anything that belongs to your neighbor.” — Shemoth/Exodus 20:17 (TS2009)
When we scroll, we must guard our hearts. Because behind every photo there may be:
Abuse
Manipulation
Betrayal
Isolation
Grief
Rage
Or simply… the silent ache of holding it all together
No one lives in a glass house. Most are barely holding up the walls with their own strength.
And yet, we assume:
“They look so happy.”
“I had no idea anything was wrong.”
“They seem so put together.”
But survival isn’t always visible. And neither is pain.
So when you scroll and feel that sting of not enough—pause.
Don’t compare.
Don’t envy.
Don’t assume.
Fix your gaze on YHWH—not filtered photos.
Only He knows the full story. And only He can restore what’s hidden and hurting.
“For man looks at the eyes, but YHWH looks at the heart.” — Shemuʼĕl Aleph/1 Samuel 16:7 (TS2009)
Let Him heal yours.
Let Him guard it.
Let Him show you that your life—raw, unfiltered, and real—is still worth living.
Before you compare your real life to someone’s highlight reel, pause.
Pray.
Check your heart.
Let this be a reminder to guard your mind and walk in truth, not illusions.
“Guard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.” — Mishlĕ/Proverbs 4:23 (TS2009)