January 17

Freedom from Self-Pity

There was a certain man there who had suffered with a deep-seated and lingering disorder for thirty-eight years.

When Jesus noticed him lying there [helpless], knowing that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, Do you want to become well? [Are you really in earnest about getting well?]

JOHN 5:5–6

For many, many years, “Why me, God?” was the cry of my heart, and it filled my thoughts and affected my attitude daily. I lived in the wilderness of self-pity, and it was a problem for me, my family, and the plan of God for my life. I felt as though I was due something for the way I had been mistreated as a child, but I was looking to people to pay me back when I should have been looking to God.

When Jesus met the man who had been lying by the pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years waiting for a miracle, He asked if he was serious about getting well. Many people would like a miracle, but like the man in our story, they are not willing to give up their blame and self-pity.

God wants to give us beauty for ashes, but we must be willing to let go of the ashes! That means giving up the self-pity, blame, and bitter attitudes. This day can be a new beginning for anyone who is willing to forget the past and truly follow Jesus!

We can be pitiful or powerful, but we can’t be both. Choose to give up self-pity to be free.