I have a rule that I can have a pity party but I cannot stay at that party - no more than a day! I believe we have pity parties when we allow Satan to make us feel defeated and alone. I do not believe that God causes bad things to happen but I know that He uses them. I look at my journey, from bad things I did to my health issues, and God brought many blessings from those hard times and lessons learned. Romans 8: 28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." God will turn what happened to us to what happened FOR us.
How can we get ourselves to leave the pity party? Philippians 4:6-7, He says, “Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” I heard someone say that we are in a controlled environment. I like that because God is in control. Psalm 23: 4, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." And that is for the darkest valley - most of my pity parties are not over big stuff. But God told us to come to Him for anything and not to be anxious. 1 Peter 5: 7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
We are to go to God in prayer. Philippians 4: 6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." If we go to God He will give us peace. Even when there are times when we are too discouraged to even pray, The Holy Spirit will help us. Romans 8: 26, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." The Holy Spirit will intercede for us according to the will of God.
When we go to God in prayer He can change our focus. 2 Thessalonians 3:5, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance." Instead of feeling pitiful we can feel powerful from Jesus' power! Think of all that Jesus endured. He could have had a long pity party and become weary and given up but He did not. 1 Peter 2: 21, "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." Let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Comments