“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.” Isaiah 48:17 (NLT)
Dwelling on life’s hurts and disappointments for too long can cause us to start playing the blame game. After all, what’s easier than blaming someone else for hurt feelings or financial difficulties? But allowing room for negativity to fester will only keep your heart locked up and miserable.
Years ago, I struggled through a horrible time. As I dealt with family and friends dying, death threats against me and our house catching fire, I began to feel sorry for myself.
Then, one Sunday, I looked out over the church congregation as I preached, and a realization struck me: my troubles were not unique. Everyone sitting there had experienced grief and was walking through hard stuff too. And the more I recognized I was not suffering more than what anyone else had gone through, the more my mindset changed.
You see, the minute we start thinking we are especially persecuted or singled out for hardship, we can begin to develop a martyr complex. If we pin all our disappointments on someone else’s behaviour or believe that our suffering is unrivalled, it will quickly lead to unhappiness.
Instead, regardless of where you are or what life has dished out, refocus on God’s Word and His presence. Rise up and declare His goodness. Continue to believe God for miracles and keep on serving Him passionately.
Use your days to live with your heart on fire for Jesus. Then go forward with everything you’ve got. That’s a powerful way to shake off unhappiness and rediscover joy!
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