Philippians 1:12-14, “Now I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”
We all will face discouragement throughout our lifetime with secret distress and agony. It could be financial burdens, family conflict, physical ailments, marriage issues, parental-children’s issues, lack of trust in someone you thought was a friend, someone breaking a promise to you, or someone you looked up to let you down. Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel. He was not in a happy place. Yet he used the time in this prison to strengthen his faith. His perspective was that God had placed him there as an appointment to be used by God to the Roman soldiers and encourage other Christians. Paul used this time to write letters that would one day end up in the New Testament. Who would have known? Paul also used this time to spread the gospel despite his dire situation. He also ended up being in prison again two or three years later. Yet Paul remained steadfast in his endurance and faith in Christ. Paul continued to serve God joyfully despite where he happened to be imprisoned. Paul viewed his time in prison as time not wasted. Would I?
So, my question is that I have been pondering, is when is it self-pity, and when is it not when reacting to bad situations in life? When one is squeezed, what spills out? I have learned it starts with asking if resentment has taken residence. That is a fair and honest question when responding to bad situations and conditions. Then, check feelings of bitterness. What about the misfortune of being misunderstood? They all lead to pride issues. God is the God of counsel.
Look at Isaiah 28:28-29 which states, “Does one crush grain for bread? No, he does not thresh it forever, when he drives his cart wheel over it with his horses, he does not crush it. This also comes from the LORD of hosts, he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.” “A farmer uses different tools at different times and works them all together to produce crops. In the same way, God knows what instruments to use in our lives and when to use them. We don’t have to doubt or despair at what God is doing in our lives, because He is an expert farmer, working on us with all His wisdom.” 2021 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik.
God has perfect timing in His work in our lives. Seek His counsel when reacting to bad conditions. Yes, it takes strength, courage, and determination to offer “at his tabernacle a sacrifice of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.” Psalm 27:6b. Next commit what you are doing to the LORD. Trust Him because He will help you (Psalm 37:5). Then, “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act.” Psalm 37:7a NLT. Finally, do as David did, “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 ESV. That is how we [I] must react to bad situations, leaving behind the companions of resentment, bitterness, self-pity, and pride seizing hold of us in our fears of the unknown, pulling us into discouragement. Sit in God’s presence and wait for Him to act. He is putting on the final touches of your inner person through your suffering and difficulty. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Listen to for KING + COUNTRY & Michael W. Smith – Place In This World (Recorded Live in Nashville)