Do you ever have a pity party? Yeah, me too. I have some really elaborate ones complete with ice cream, chocolate, tears... Some are just stolen moments in the car, sitting at work or going to bed at night.
My pity parties are usually associated with people pleasing, care-giver status. They happen when I feel especially unappreciated, overly criticized or in my opinion things are going horribly wrong. The parties include a lot of whining that goes a little like this:
"Why me? I don't deserve this. I'm giving up everything. I at least deserve some kindness and respect.'
During this last pity party I heard my Lord say: 'Why not you? You don't think you deserve your treatment? Do you think I deserved the treatment I've had through the ages? The treatment the Israelites gave me? The treatment given to me while I was in human form? The treatment you give me when you ignore my Word? Sure you have 14 copies of my Word, but if you don't pick it up, read it, study it - it does no good. What about the times you only talk to me when you need or want something? What about the things you blame for or question me about when things aren't going the way you think they should?"
"You are giving up everything? Hmmm... I gave up my throne in Heaven, I gave up my majesty, my glory to come into your world. Then I gave up my life. I gave up fellowship with my Father to take on your sins, to break the powers of hell. Do you think I might deserve some gratitude and respect?"
Let me tell you that puts quite a damper on a party. I was ashamed of myself. I was humbled. I don't deserve anything good. I deserve death and hell, but have been given mercy, forgiveness, unending love and eternal life.
Forgive me Father for my mistreatment of you. Please always remind me of all you have done and continue to do in my life. I praise you and thank you. Let others see you through me. Help me fewer pity parties and more PRAISE parties.
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