Bible Reading: Luke 10:36-40
Martha started feeling sorry for herself because she was doing all the work while her sister, Mary, lounged at Jesus’ feet. She went to Jesus and whined, “Lord, don't you care that
my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
When Jonah began to whine about the vine that withered and left him without shade, God reminded him that God had made the vine grow and it was up to God how long it lived. In other words, “Jonah, quit feeling sorry for yourself!”
Jesus didn’t let Martha or Jonah sit back and drown in self-pity. Jesus didn’t approve of pity parties. Why? Self-pity crushes the spirit.
How can you avoid throwing yourself a pity party like Martha or Jonah?
* Learn to laugh at yourself. Look for the humor in frustrating situations.
* Watch your attitude. Don’t think that you are too good to make mistakes.
* Recognize your weaknesses. They will be less likely to knock you off your feet.
* Keep your eyes and thoughts on God. If you aren’t sitting around dwelling on yourself, you can’t feel sorry for yourself.
* Reach out to someone else. By encouraging another person, you will feel encouraged in return.
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:13
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to pick myself up, dust myself off, and start over again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.