one problem with self-pity

What often brings self-pity on is the sense that we've been wronged by someone. Sometimes that is indeed not without justification. And it can be quite hurtful. Or it may be that we are in a "woe is me" attitude. Believing all is stacked against us, and our lot in life is difficult at best, and certainly undesirable, not what we wanted.

When we fall into this, we're no longer living in the grace and truth as it is in Jesus. We begin to see all the bad around us, rather than in grace overlooking many things, and finding the good by God's grace that is present. As well as looking for that good in others. Instead, contrary to Scripture we really begin to look down and grumble to ourselves about others. Something God warns us against (even in the face of true suffering at the hands of others, in the passage linked).

We must beware of a self-help, kind of "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" mentality. Instead we need the truth as it is in Jesus. That truth to bear on everything. And thankfully with that truth comes grace, grace for us all, in Jesus.

What would you like to add to these thoughts?

self-pity

I wonder how many times in my life I've been in a self-pity party. Yesterday for me was one of them. For too long. But God picked me up, and now I'm encouraged and going on.

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?