The Medicine for Misery

One of the reasons for the misery in the lives of many of today’s saints stems from the simple fact of not discerning between a healthy self-judgment and a morbid introspection. The former is when we agree with God’s estimation of something in our lives that displeases Him. At such times, we are to confess, repent, and then, as a transit, move on. In the latter, we take up lodging and dwell in a spiritual mortuary, daily inspecting a putrefying corpse.

Introspection is putting self on a plate and dissecting it, always analyzing oneself. We worry about everything we say or do and what affect each word or action may have. We’re always looking back—always regretting. We can’t let go of it. It is the chief theme of our lives. Everything centers upon us. We are forever telling others about our sins and shortcomings, while they patiently listen with a frown on their faces and disgust in their hearts.

Through the years, I have become more and more leery of those who habitually talk of wanting to be holy and godly. If I read my Bible right, we are to be spending our time speaking and thinking of Him and His attributes (Mal.3:16) not on imaginary fantasies of our own creation. To glorify God is to make Him look good, not ourselves.

If man at his best state is altogether vanity, then let’s call attention to the Altogether Lovely One.

(RDS)