Don't Feel Sorry for Yourself

Self pity is a trick.  It is a coping mechanism that we use to try to deal with the pain in our life.  By talking about our problems excessively, we create an environment of people around us to "lick" our wounds.  You know how it is.  For example, I have a child that won't sleep anywhere but on my chest.  I have found myself tempted to have self pity and talk about the issue to others - constantly.  What am I looking for?  "Oh, Barry, I am so sorry.  That must be sooo hard.  I don't know how I could get through it."  Can you hear the licking of the wounds?  The problem is that this is no real fix to the problem.  The Word of God tells us how to deal with pity in Hebrews 12:2-3:

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. ³ When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! (MSG)

Just a few key thoughts:

• Never lost sight of your destiny in Christ and the purpose you are on this earth
• Realize that Christ went through more then you did and His power is within you
• REMIND YOURSELF. AGAIN AND AGAIN.....AND AGAIN

Seems to simple?  First of all, it's not easy to remember these things when your looking to get a fix for your self pity addiction but when you remember this truth I guarantee it will change your life!