Contentment can sound like such a warm and inviting word, but the development of this valuable quality often grows out of the most difficult of circumstances. Consider two of Jesusâ most challenging times: his temptation in the wilderness and his submission in the garden of Gethsemane. He faces both, without even a whisper of complaint stirring across his soul. Sometimes … Read More
Several years ago the road I traveled home at the end of the day was washed out in one of those torrential rains that come around every hundred years. For nearly ten years this had been my route home, but now there was a barrier placed at the half way point. My habitual commute ended with a dead-end. It took … Read More
The short Hebrew word El means âto be strong.â It is often used in combination with other words to communicate that Godâs strength is unequalled. This applied truth provides tremendous help for the one struggling with discouragement or self-pity. Meditating upon the strength of God encourages your heart, and moves your attention away from your personal weakness. Perhaps this is … Read More
One of the common themes Iâve observed as a pastor is that people often fail to do what they should do, because theyâre trying to do what only God can do. We are not equipped to carry out Godâs role, but that doesnât keep us from trying. Here are some examples: God sees the future; we canât see it, so we worry … Read More
Jonah had an anger problem. A really big one. Sure he could push it down for a chapter or two (his book only has four chapters), but before long it would come roaring back again. The final chapter closes with Jonah sitting on the side of a mountain, being good and angry at God’s gracious ways. It actually appears that a … Read More
Living with suffering is hard work; itâs easy to lose your focus. Once your focus is disoriented it becomes difficult to hold self-pity at bay. Suffering can come in many forms; not all of them physical. Our mind struggles with harsh and critical statements that seem unjustified. Our emotions vacillate between confusion, anger and grief when circumstances in our life … Read More
In the gospel record we find a number of instances where Jesus could have chosen to feel sorry for himself. When we examine the surrounding circumstances and his response, we gain a greater understanding for how we should respond in similar situations to avoid self-pity. Change your role. Our culture prizes being served. Google âpamper yourselfâ and expect to find … Read More
Self-pity causes us to see ourselves as better than we really are. We tend to think of self-pity as thinking too poorly of ourselves, but the opposite is true. We are thinking too highly of ourselves. Self-pity is a preoccupation with self. Because it is birthed from the âprideâ family of sins, it comes with a sense of entitlement. This … Read More
Self pity is best defined as the preoccupation with oneself because your hopes, desires, or expectations have not been realized. It is an unproductive attitude, habit-forming and destructive to our relationships. Still we choose this pattern of thinking as if it were our only option. God revealed his thoughts on self-pity within the opening pages of Scripture. The first two … Read More
