Temptations and confrontations often accompany a decision. This means that when you make a decision, you need to be willing to stick with it no matter what uncomfortable situation or unenjoyable situation arises.
This concept has always been a difficult one for me. I feel so strong in my faith and connected with God when I choose to do the right thing, but as soon as I make that decision I am soon discouraged by the difficulty that still rests in the situation. Difficulty may come from the people around you or from the temptation to change your decision. These difficulties almost always cause me to feel alone. Not only do I feel that no one in the world has been in my situation before, but I also feel that no one recognizes me. I feel like no one sees that I try to do the right thing or that no one sees what I've been through, so i dwell in self pity. Because I have become a professional at this, I have realized that this feeling and concentration of self pity gets me nowhere. Wallowing in my self pity is not only uncalled for, but also it only makes matters worse.
My focus on being alone is completely uncalled for because I am never alone. The Bible says that,
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)
It is pointless to feel alone, because God is always with me, and He loves and understands me. I know this because He died for me. He was willing to be uncomfortable, broken hearted, hated, accused unjustly...He was willing to die for me, and He did NOT feel sorry for Himself. He willingly and gladly did that for me. I have been blessed beyond imagination.
And if that wasn't enough! God has placed me in a loving and caring family, given me some amazing friends, and placed me at a school where He is the focus. He has given me more than enough food for each day (enough for the freshman 15), a sizable room to live in, a warm bed to sleep in, and a closet full of clothes. For me to feel sorry for myself, is to say that I am not content with what God has given me. It is to say that not only am I unsatisfied with all of these blessings, but that I am unsatisfied with God. Clearly something that I need to work on.
I need to choose to put away my self pity and instead focus on Christ. I can find joy in each situation, because of God's infinite blessings. By constantly thanking and praising God, He can help me to conquer my self pity in these everyday situations and learn to depend fully on Him. Refusing to find temporary satisfaction in self pity is only one small step to finding satisfaction in God.
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