Psalms are great! I like Ps 42 and 43: Why are you downcast, O my soul? Hope in God, for I again praise him. And yes, God’s past faithfulness guarantees his future faithfulness. Thanks!

Hi Emily,

I can’t imagine what it’s like to struggle with migraines…I know several others who have regular migraines and just like you, often must press through them. And others who have migraines have also mentioned listening to music like you did. I respect you for your perseverance and your battle to not give in to self-pity. And what a great idea – rewriting Psalms in your own words. That is a wonderful way to meditate on God’s word and really internalize it. Thanks for your comments!

Hey Jason,

Can’t do any better than that! How can we give into self-pity when contemplating all God’s done for us in Christ.

Hey Ron,

You’re right – our Father knows exactly how much we can bear and measures out just the right amount, and not an ounce more. Thanks!

DrLiz,

Great point, and great practice – reading passages that remind us that we are not the center of the universe – God is! Thanks for adding this!

Seriously when I begin to wallow in self-pity, the Lord reminds me of two questions a very wise older woman once shared with me as a way to check my thinking. Ask yourself these question,: What does Scripture say? What is the truth of this situation? Sadly, I am usually at least knee deep in self pity before I remember to ask the questions! Running everything through the sieve of Scripture is essential. The Spirit is always faithful to remind me to run to ask the questions and He always lifts my head and fixes my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith.

Music that focuses on the Gospel is also great for snapping me out of the muck and mire of self-pity because again, it points me back to Truth. So I will Trust You and Heavenly Father, Beautiful Son are just two great ones the Lord uses to adjust my thinking.

i woke up this morning with an awful migraine. but i’ve got a meetings at work that i can’t miss so i didn’t have the option to just stay in bed. all morning i’ve been tempted to complain… why me? why today? why won’t it just go away?

and then i read this… wow! thanks. thanks for reminding me of God. thanks for reminding me that (though i might think so at this very moment) this migraine won’t kill me!

one thing that helps me when i’m struggling with self pity (which is rather often, i must confess) is to listen to music. often when i am struggling with self pity its typically due to physical issues… and as a result reading isn’t the most helpful choice. but God has used songs to turn my gaze back to Him. today my music of choice is the Psalms CD by Sovereign Grace. The songs “praise the Lord” and “God is our Refuge” have been especially helpful today… just to continue to remind myself that the Lord has blessed me so far beyond what I realize and that He will continue to be a refuge through every storm I face.

thanks!

I read Scripture. Specifically the Psalms or a specific Scriptures that point my heart to Christ and my hope in Him.

I also like to look back and God’s past faithfulness in my life. Reminding myself of where He has been at work is very helpful in the midst of trial.