When You Feel Sorry for Yourself

“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, LORD,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” (1 Kings 19:3-4 NIV)

Have you ever had one of those days when everything seemed overwhelming? You felt discouraged, exhausted, and perhaps even a little sorry for yourself. If so, you are not alone. One of God's greatest prophets experienced the same thing.

Elijah had just witnessed an incredible victory on Mount Carmel where God answered by fire from heaven. Yet shortly afterward, a threat from Queen Jezebel sent him running in fear. He fled into the wilderness, sat beneath a broom tree, and poured out his discouragement to God.

At first glance, Elijah's reaction seems surprising. This was the same man who had boldly confronted hundreds of false prophets. What happened?

As we continue reading, the answer becomes clear.

“Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.”
(1 Kings 19:5-6 NIV)

Elijah was physically and emotionally drained. He was tired, hungry, afraid, and worn out. Sometimes our perspective becomes clouded when we are exhausted. Problems appear larger, fears seem stronger, and discouragement settles in more easily.

Notice what God did

He did not rebuke Elijah. He cared for him. He gave him rest, food, water, and renewed strength.

Elijah also did something wise. He talked honestly with God about how he felt. God heard his cry and met him in his weakness.

“So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.” (1 Kings 19:8 NLT)

When we begin feeling sorry for ourselves, it is important to pause and examine what may be contributing to those feelings. Are we tired? Discouraged? Overwhelmed? Have we been carrying burdens without taking them to the Lord?

God understands our weakness. He knows when we are weary, and He promises to provide the strength we need.

And remember this

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait I say on the Lord!”
(Psalm 27:14 NKJV)

“The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”
(Habakkuk 3:19 NKJV)

“He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever. He saved us from our enemies. His faithful love endures forever. He gives food to every living thing. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.”
(Psalm 136:23-26 NLT)

Therefore

When discouragement and self-pity try to take hold, bring your feelings honestly to God. Remember that He understands your weakness and cares about every detail of your life. Instead of focusing on your circumstances, focus on His faithfulness. He is your strength, your provider, and your deliverer. Wait on Him, trust Him, and allow Him to renew your heart.

“Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.”
(Psalm 102:1-2 NIV)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
(Psalm 27:1 NKJV)

Quote

"As Christians we should never feel sorry for ourselves. The moment we do so, we lose our energy, we lose the will to fight and the will to live, and are paralyzed."
— Martyn Lloyd-Jones