Prison Ministries

Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Lamentations 3
How to Cure Self Pity

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

We usually think of temptations in terms of breaking commandments like stealing, committing adultery, bearing false witness, or coveting what some one else has.

There are other temptations that are just as bad, if not worse. Worry, doubt, and especially pity parties are a few examples.

We are often so self-absorbed that we never even stop to consider that we are not the only ones who have ever had a problem and never even consider that it could be worse.

Some of the best therapy for self pity available is to look for someone worse off than you. The classic old saying, “I cried because I had no shoes until I saw a man who had no feet,” says a lot about how we can get over it.

Even we who experience what we often perceive to be the worst of troubles are so blessed compared to what others we know are going through, instead of falling into self pity; we should fall into the ever loving arms of God with thanksgiving on our lips and joy in our hearts.

Read the book of Job, visit a homeless shelter, a nursing home, a leper colony, and or just look around and you will find all kinds of reasons to rejoice in your circumstances, knowing that they could be worse and that God has promised they will not last forever. Don’t ever lose faith in the fact that He can and will work the worst of circumstances into something good for those who love Him.

Father, help me to maintain a good attitude in all situations. In Jesus’ name, Amen