26 Jan 2012 1 Comment
Free from the Stronghold of Self-pity
We take our eyes off the promise and off the word and we move into an area where we shouldn’t tread. The more we look at what we think we should have and our own physical hardships, the more we lament–and the harder it is to reach out.
We must shake off this feeling of self-pity and stop looking inward or at our present condition in order to heal. Worse, if we look at what we think might happen or what has happened instead of looking to today, and the love we are given and promised by Christ, we could implode. Not literally. But we could start living a life of introversion.
The stronghold of self-pity can set in along with depression, self-hate, fear, hopelessness, and many other strongholds if we allow it to continue.
God knew this would happen. He saw the day when our eyes would be focused on ourselves. He knew Peter would deny him to protect himself. He knew the hearts of those who were downcast and sullen because of their lot in life. He has covered it all in his teachings.
Image via Wikipedia
5 Biblical tips to stop self=pity in its tracks:
1. Ask God to increase your faith and courage to move forward according to His will. We are all connected. When we are tempted to think of our own hardships, that’s the time when we should reach out to others and follow the example set for us by Christ.
Romans 12:3-5 Because of the kindness that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers. 4Our bodies have many parts, but these parts don’t all do the same thing. 5In the same way, even though we are many individuals, Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other.
2. Keep your focus on today. What good is in your life now? What can you see for you to rejoice in this day?
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] 29Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. 30For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good–not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.
3. Put your attention on Christ and His promises. Somehow our misery doesn’t look so grim in the light of His teachings.
Psalm 118:13 You [my adversary] thrust sorely at me that I might fall, but the Lord helped me.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
4. Keep yourself busy doing good things. There’s no time for self pity in the life of a busy person.
Proverbs 31:27 She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.
5. Stay away from strong drink or too much wine. This is no joke. When we drink in excess, we no longer think clearly. Nor can we clear up the reasons for our misery.
Proverbs 23:29-35 Who has trouble? Who has misery? Who has quarrels? Who has a complaint? Who has wounds for no reason? Who has bloodshot eyes? READ MORE
Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.
Related articles
- Free from the Stronghold of Selfishness (polamuzyka.wordpress.com)
- Free from the Stronghold of Death (polamuzyka.wordpress.com)
- Free from the Stronghold of Guilt (polamuzyka.wordpress.com)
- Free from the Stronghold of Profanity (strongholdsmashers.com)
- Free from the Strongholds of Curses (polamuzyka.wordpress.com)
- Free from the Stronghold of Offense (polamuzyka.wordpress.com)
- Free from the Stronghold of Superstition (polamuzyka.wordpress.com)
Year 2012 Writer’s Notes by Pola — Day 26 » polamuzyka.com
Jan 26, 2012 @ 16:04:05
[...] Free from the Stronghold of Self-pity The more we know about the suffering of others and God’s word, the less we tend to look inward. But it does happen. Those of us who are in Christ are shocked by the actions of those of us who profess to be in Christ or who blatantly refuse Christ. http://strongholdsmashers.com/bible/free-stronghold-selfpity/ [...]