Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2

My husband and I have been very blessed to have had the opportunity to fly to see our new granddaughter, a few weeks ago, and again last week to see our baby girl get married.

We have three children who live near us and two who live far away. But God is faithful and allows us trips to spend time with our children and we are so tremendously grateful.

It is difficult however, to leave our new granddaughter and our children. It is a struggle every time we leave not to be so broken hearted that we have a pity party.

Don’t misunderstand me. There is nothing wrong with missing our children and being sad and maybe even a little depressed.

But there is a difference between that and a pity party. In fact if you are having a pity party, don’t invite me, I won’t attend.

A pity party is when we won’t move past the sadness. It’s when we fail to recognize how blessed we are (for I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us – Romans 8:18.)

A pity party is when we fail to remember God’s promises (I.e. He will never leave or forsake you – Deuteronomy 31:8; do not be dismayed because God goes with you wherever you go – Joshua 1:9; Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7; Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7).

A pity party is when we fail to remember God’s commandments. (Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4; But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You. Psalm 5:11).

A pity party is when we choose not to listen to God’s promises, but choose instead to listen to the enemy. It’s when, even though God speaks peace into our hearts, we refuse to put it on. It’s when we remember God’s promises but dismiss them. It is when we fail to seek God’s will and mourn over the fact that we can’t have our own way.

So, if you are invited to a pity party, whether it is the enemy inviting you to your own or being invited to participate in someone else’s, I encourage you to say “don’t invite me, I won’t attend”.

I pray that when faced with sadness that we would understand that sadness is an emotion and that it is ok to be sad sometimes, but it is not okay to stay there and it is not a way of life. I pray that we would rejoice in the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father, that we would seek His will and not our own and that we would accept His peace, His promises and His joy and that we would glorify Him!

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and therefore have never experienced the joy and peace only He can provide, I pray that you would go to our life preserver page and pray the prayer that is outlined there. Once you have, please reach out to me at admin@forgiven-n-loved.com so that I can pray for you and hopefully help you grow in you mr relationship with and knowledge of our Precious Savior.

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