Self-Pity
Self-pity is not an attractive trait and sometimes it’s really hard to push away from such a strong emotion or sentiment. When it seems like the whole world is crashing in around me it’s tough to keep my head up. In my journey with the Lord I’ve learned that no one else can “pity” me quite like I can. I am embarrassed to think of how many “pity parties” I’ve thrown for myself over the years. It is so easy to get the guest list together for a pity party because I’m the most important guest.
Job is having a pretty big pity party in his own right. He has more reason to have one than I every have. He’s lost all his material possessions, his family and his health. He is barely hanging on to life itself. He’s lost hope and he’s crying out to the Lord because he doesn’t understand what he has to endure. Check this out…
4 Do you have eyes of flesh?
Do you see as a mortal sees?
5 Are your days like those of a mortal
or your years like those of a strong man,
6 that you must search out my faults
and probe after my sin –
7 though you know that I am not guilty
and that no one can rescue me from your hand?
12 You gave me life and showed me kindness,
and in your providence watched over my spirit. (Job 10:4-7, 12 NIV)
I can hardly imagine what Job is feeling and experiencing. I’ve certainly had struggles and sufferings in my life, but nothing on the scale that Job is facing. I love how Job deals with his frustrations and struggles. He asked God lots of questions. Inside these questions are definitely strong hints of hopelessness. He asks lots of questions and begs the Lord to take his life, but he doesn’t curse God. I love seeing this personal relationship with God. I believe as I read the rest of God’s Word, that this personal relationship is exactly what the Lord wants with me. He wants me to walk and talk with Him daily. He wants me to let my life revolve around His Plans for me. He wants to direct my daily activities. He wants to be the desire of my heart every day. He wants me to trust Him without worry or question – even though He will welcome my questions.
I want to stop having pity parties – they are always themed the same – with my whining. Come to think of it; I don’t usually invite the Lord to my pity parties because He will shut the party down.
Pressing On!
Dwayne