Psalms: Dealing with Difficult EmotionsSample

Dealing with Self-pity 

Self-pity is a fertile soil for all kinds of sin to thrive. Self-pity is more than being sad. It is hard to describe what it is, but it always results in something, which can give us a clue. How do you know you are struggling with self-pity? Do you find yourself finding comfort in things outside of Christ? Are you considering sin as a way to find joy? Are you struggling with the goodness and love of God in your life? These form a fertile soil that makes sin, this world, and the things of this world feel more appealing and satisfying in the moment. 

Self-pity not only questions the character and goodness of God in your life, but also elevates your self-importance and interests above everything else. 

The gospel gives us an antidote for self-pity. This Psalm reminds us of who we are in Christ. We have been forgiven, healed, redeemed, loved, satisfied with good, and renewed. All this because God loves and delights in you because of what Christ has done. He does not deal with you according to what you deserve, but He lavishes His grace. His love is great and our sins are far removed. We are not objects of wrath but objects of compassion. 

When you forget the gospel and wallow in self-pity, would you remind yourself of the gospel? Would you run to community where others can remind you of the gospel? Like the Psalmist prays, would you pray for yourself that you will not forget the benefits of the gospel of Jesus in your life? 

The Psalmist describes how we are like grass and a flower that fades and is gone, but God’s love is steadfast and is from everlasting to everlasting. You are not forgotten. You will never be cast out. Though Jesus was abandoned on the cross, He did not abandon you. He was forgotten because of our sin so that we can be remembered and loved. Jesus did this for you. Allow the gospel to lead you out of self-pity to the sweet embrace of our Savior.