My dominant thought this past weekend was SELF-PITY and how so many believers—including ME—validate negative circumstances and soak our soul in past and present hardships. Here’s the theme that my thinking produced for this message: Self-Pity is moving FORWARD–with excessive, self-absorbed unhappiness over our troubles–and leaving God BEHIND.
Self-pity comes knocking when we tell ourselves that God isn’t present in our struggles. We feel entitled to turn on the self-pity faucet and start bathing in its poison. This mindset is dangerous and misleading, pulling us further away from the truth of God’s presence and love.
My five steps to overcoming self-pity follow below.
5 STEPS TO OVERCOME SELF-PITY
ONE: RECOGNITION
Be vigilant in watching for signs of helplessness or dwelling on your struggles.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:5
TWO: GRATITUDE
Expressing gratitude for what we have –no matter how small–is a powerful antidote to self-pity and reminds us of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
THREE: SCRIPTURE
To fortify your spirit against feelings of inadequacy and despair, meditate on scriptures that remind you of God’s love, provision, and purpose for your life.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
FOUR: FELLOWSHIP
Surround yourself with a community of friends and believers that encourages you. Join that community in service of others to shift the focus away from you.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (Also Hebrews 10:24-25).
FIVE: PRAYER
Seek God’s strength and guidance in overcoming self-pity. God’s grace is fully sufficient and it is a very powerful force in the midst of our weakness.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…” 2 Corinthians 12:9
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Maybe it’s right now. Maybe it will be tomorrow. Perhaps it will be a little further down life’s road. But the self-pity assassin will appear. What will you do?
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation; and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:12
