Self-Pity

As the pressures of life, business, loss, disappointment and even pain comes against us, there's always a choice to make. The natural one that requires no effort is self-pity. I get it...I just caught myself beginning to yield to the same temptation. It's a trap that if left unchecked will quickly lead to depression. With nothing left to offer anyone including God.

I understand that there are times the battle seems too great, and we no longer have the energy to fight. That's ok... the important thing is that instead of continuing down that path, you halt, turn yourself back around and begin to worship your way out of the fog. No matter what you are going through there's always much to be thankful for. It's true, there are times that it's a sacrifice of praise, an act of discipline, but as your attention turns from the enemy's intended demise and on to the loving eyes of Jesus, discipline will lead to heart felt appreciation for His beauty, goodness, and love!

Think about Paul and Silas for a minute. Remember when they were in prison? Instead of complaining they worshipped! What happened next?

Acts:16:25-26 (NKJV) But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Do you know how easy it would have been for them to entertain feelings of self-pity? They were serving God, doing His work when they were arrested, beaten and shackled! They chose worship over complaining and the outcome was the incredible hand of God moving the very foundation of the earth on their behalf! There's nothing He won't do for His child who puts Him before their own life and chooses to lift His name over glorifying the evil works of the enemy. You are loved! There's a scripture that was written for your current situation. Find it, stand on it and thank Him for the answer! The promises in His Word are yours but begin by giving Him your full attention and heart felt Praise!

Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV) To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.