One of our best weapons against self-pity is to compare what we deserve with the free grace God lavishes on us in Christ. For those who have suffered tragic losses of loved ones and other heavy afflictions, I’d never try to comfort them by saying, “It could be worse.” But often I find I need to grab my thoughts by the collar, give myself a good shaking and say, “Hey, Mark, quit feeling sorry for yourself. Now listen up…”
I deserve worse
I should be screaming in agony in hell right now for my rebellion against God; instead, I’ve merely been criticized by someone. I should be burning in torment, but I only have to replace my car engine.
It could always be worse
I could be going through this same trial, only in a poverty-wracked country. I could have cancer instead of the flu. I could be a paraplegic but all I have is a sprained ankle.
Many have it far worse
My grocery budget may be tight, but there are multitudes who go to bed hungry every night. I have to wait for my prescription to be filled, but in parts of Uganda where people have no access to band-aids or antibiotics, a mere scratch can lead to a limb amputation or death. My back hurts, but in North Korea soldiers jam Christians into shipping crates where for months they can never stand or stretch out.
Jesus had it infinitely worse
My Savior bore the furious wrath of God with no relief, no mercy, no help, no friends and no sense of his Father’s love. Whatever pain I experience completely pales compared to Jesus’ agony. And he endured it all so I could escape God’s richly deserved wrath and come to the Father.
This life is the worst it will ever get
I may suffer fiery trials in this life, but this is the worst it will ever be for me. In the next life Jesus will wipe away every tear from my eyes and ache in my joints. But for those who reject Christ, this life is the best they’ll ever know and the next life will be eternal, unremitting misery and despair.
I could be going through this trial apart from Christ
Millions of unbelievers suffer tragedies, disease, and evil at the hands of others apart from the love of Jesus. They have no comfort from his Spirit, no hope for eternity, no God to help them. They suffer here then slide into eternal destruction. Though I may be hurting, my Good Shepherd will never forsake me.
These truths bring perspective to my peewee trials and help me apply the gospel to them.
So how do you encourage yourself when tempted to self-pity?
photo by Cyberliquid
Written by Mark Altrogge
Topics: Speaking Truth To Yourself