People of God in Scripture had such parties themselves. I think of Elijah and Jeremiah. God picked them up as well, and helped them to continue on in faith, and in service for God to the people.
There are dangers when one is down. We should always keep a close watch on what we say, and it's particularly important during these times that we keep our mouths shut, and that we be careful not to express ourselves nonverbally, either, in regard to any grievances we may have. We've all stumbled in this regard. But we can learn and by grace do better.
But most of all, we need God's grace to lift us out of that, and into his grace and love, the truth as it is in Jesus. To try to work with God in this life is not easy, either in regard to ourselves, or in seeking to help others. We do well to seek to major on prayer and on being quiet (the quiet is important in my case, since I tend to have plenty to say most of the time). And I do well during such times to keep busy, which just before God broke through to me yesterday, was precisley what I was able to do.
Of course much more can be said on self-pity. I've just touched on it a little, from my experience yesterday. What would you like to add on it?
8 comments:
good advice.
Ahhhh self-pity. Been there. Done that. All too often I might add.
I too believe it's good advice to especially keep our mouths shut during the difficult times. I'm reminded of the bridle in a horse's mouth or a small rudder guiding a ship.
I need to think on this more. I hope there are more posts in regards to self-pity.
Thanks.
in my post today, I spoke of the other side of this... specificly rejoicing in the now... Psalm 118:24 reminds us: "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Nancy,
Thanks. We know more than what we put into practice, but hopefully that gap narrows as we go on in our lives in Jesus.
Crowm,
Yes. Right from James, and I'm appreciating much Scot's posts on James. I really have to watch it, because I tend to want to say something. But I'm learning to listen more and talk less- at least I'm doing better.
Randall,
I look forward to going to your post and reading that.
Yes. To praise God is important in this. And as James warns us we'd better be careful lest out of the same mouth we do praise God, but then curse humans made in God's image. Something we unfortunately do, as James tells us.
I had a pity party for the past couple of days as well. But then I remembered that the area I was pitying myself about is the area that God has been redeeming most in my life, and I was encouraged instead of downtrodden.
Thanks for these words, Ted.
Good to hear, John! I've experienced something of the same myself, I'm sure. Wonderful how God lifts us up, and sometimes I even know just about what moment it began to happen (or close to it).
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