From Grumbling to Gratitude...Escaping Self-Pity's SnareSample

The Alternative: “Content In Every Situation”

Self-pity takes so many forms. Can we ever escape it?

Consider Barbara Youderian, a missionary to Ecuador, quoted in Elisabeth Elliot’s Through Gates of Splendor. The night her husband was martyred, she wrote, “[I am] trying to explain the peace I have. I want to be free of self-pity. It is a tool of Satan to rot away a life. I am sure that this is the perfect will of God.”

Likewise, Paul the apostle shows us that gratitude is always an option. Paul experienced every struggle we’ve examined over the past five days: lacking ability, help, provision, honor, and love. A sinful human in a broken world, Paul avoided self-pity’s snare by the Holy Spirit’s strength.

When Paul suffered far beyond his ability to endure, he remained confident in his faithful Father’s power. God had delivered Paul from sin and judgment and would deliver him safely home to be with him.

Paul relied on help from his disciples and ministry partners. He was wounded when former allies like Alexander betrayed him, and his friends deserted him. However, he prayed for them to be forgiven, grateful for strength in God’s presence.

When Paul lacked food and money, he rejoiced in God. He knew God as his true provider–constant while resources ebbed and flowed.

Paul lost much honor when he followed Christ. Formerly an acclaimed, well-educated Pharisee from a good family, he considered his status a hindrance to shed in pursuit of Christ. He didn’t enjoy insults, weaknesses, or suffering. Yet he welcomed them to humble him and highlight God’s grace.

Paul ministered without the love of a spouse. We don’t know his emotions about being unmarried, but he valued this state enough to recommend it to others. Maybe that’s because he treasured being chosen to receive God’s unquenchable, unstoppable love.

My guess is that self-pity was a struggle for Barbara and Paul, but one that they often overcame by looking to Christ. Without denying their circumstances, limitations, or emotions, they rested in God’s character and remembered his faithfulness.

God was enough for them. He is enough for us too.

Prayer: Relying on you, Lord, I can lament with gratitude instead of grumbling. As I experience pain and need today, please remind me who you are. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for indwelling me so that, like Paul, I can be “content in every situation.”