The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines self-pity as: “pity for oneself; especially: a self-indulgent dwelling on one's own sorrows or misfortunes”
We all have gotten to this point, we have sunk down to the level of simply feeling sorry for ourselves. A bad day, bad month, or even bad year(s). Micah 7:1-2: “Woe is me! I am like the one who gathers summer fruit, when the vines have been gleaned There is no cluster to eat, no early fig that I crave. The faithful have vanished from the earth, no mortal is just! They all lie in wait to shed blood, each one ensnares the other.” Oh woe is me!
Self-Pity is another bad habit. It can lead to depression, lead to feeling defeated, lead to feelings of worthless ness and despair. It is a habit that the devil likes and dances on the sidelines cheering us as we go down this road. It’s a habit that takes our focus away from God, leaving us questioning if God is really there. Psalm 13:1 “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hind your face from me?”
For years I lived with the self-pity attitude. My first husband was addicted to porn, and verbally abusive. Through-out my marriage and years after we have separated I carried that self-pity burden. Woe is me, I lived with that. Woe is me, I have low self-esteem. Woe is me, I am not good enough. The list can go on and on…
What do we do? What can we do? We can look to God.
- Learn to recognize when we are beginning to sink into self-pity
- Find a verse in the bible that shows you the promise of God’s word.
- Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
- Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
- Give it to God. Let go of the anger, the hurt feelings, and simply forgive and let go.
- Start to have a grateful heart. Begin to look for things to thank God for, even the smallest of things.
The next time you start down the path of self-pity, stop, look to God and breathe knowing He is God.
Abba,
I just want to thank you for Your love and for all you do for us. Lord I ask that you teach us to open our hearts to you, allowing us to come to you when self-pity tries to take hold. Abba, I ask that you give each of us discernment, wisdom and guidance to know when self-pity is begin to enter our minds, and show us your all-consuming love so that we can let self-pity go and not allow it to take root.
Amen
