Pity Party

Ever wonder what an invitation to an actual pity party would look like? Do you RSVP? Bring a gift or a covered dish? Get there early or arrive fashionably late? Is it black tie or business casual?

Truth is, there’s nothing about pity quite attractive enough to make a party of it, right? Self-pity is just pitiful. BUT we all have our days when nothing seems to go right, it seems like everyone is picking on us, and everything seems worthy of some complaint or criticism.

I HATE days like that. I also HATE to admit that I have days like that. Still, stress, change, tiredness, illness – all of these things open the door to bad days the unfortunately involve a little (or… okay… a lot) of ‘poor me.’

You’d think I’d be used to it by now, but I still get the blues a couple of weeks into a move. That’s about the time in the adjustment phase when the excitement of the move has worn off but I haven’t quite settled into a comfortable, home-feeling routine. Haven’t met anyone new yet to hang out with, haven’t completed the church-search yet, don’t have a job yet, my Daniel’s getting used to his new job… I admit it. I get mopey. It happens every time.

But the remedy is the same every time too.

The Bible is full of specific calls to action to combat self-pity. Here are a few…

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-8)

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts… and always be thankful.” (Col. 3:15)

Peace is the goal. Praise – thanksgiving – is the answer.

Even when my feelings tell me to frown, praise can’t go on for long without a smile popping up. It is a universal, planted in our DNA principle. At the time, it seems like the most monumental task ever. But then again, how simple of a solution could I ask for?

Praise + thanksgiving = peace.

Thanks for letting me transparent with ya’ll, Dry Ground friends. Hope it ends up encouraging you. Have a great week!

(photo by photobucket.com)