Why Me Lord?

Philippians 4:12-13 – I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. (NIV)

With the recent illness in my life I have found myself caught up in what I call the "Why Me Syndrome". It seems so natural when things are not going our way to start asking those "Why Me?" questions, or in some cases "Why Not Me?". I have found myself asking, "Why am I going through this sickness? What have I done or not done to deserve this? Why can't I feel good like everyone else?"

We live in a world that not only accepts but encourages constantly striving for more and better, never being content with what we have. While there is nothing wrong with trying to improve ourselves, it is wrong to be discontented with that which we have already been given and blessed with. Western culture has become so caught up in the ideal of self-improvement that no one takes the time to appreciate what we have already obtained. Yesterday evening, while listening to Dr. Tony Evans on the radio, I was astonished at a statement that he made: "If you have one income, and one house, and one means of transportation, then you are in the top 15{8395b6ce96fcf25a14d80edc3b65c36a8995b6c1ba5f8c16ac11d8adaa79f35b} of the wealth in the entire world! If you are in a family with two incomes and two automobiles you move into the top 5{8395b6ce96fcf25a14d80edc3b65c36a8995b6c1ba5f8c16ac11d8adaa79f35b} of the wealth in the world." That really made me stop and think for a moment. Right now in my life I don't complain about my financial situation, but like everyone else I still ask those "Why Me?" and "Why Not Me?" questions from time to time.

I imagine similar statements as above could be made concerning health. There are millions, if not billions, of people throughout the world suffering from cancer, AIDS, malnourishment, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, or some other life-threatening or life-changing disease or affliction. Yet most of us act as if it is so unfair at the onset of the 'flu or stomach problems or many other "minor" health problems. And again we start asking, "Why Me?" Perhaps it would put things more in perspective if we tried to look at the alternatives to some of our "Why Me?" questions.

Instead of asking, "Why do I have the 'flu?", we could be asking, "Why don't I have cancer?"

Instead of asking "Why don't I have the job that I really want?", we could be asking, "Why am I not homeless?"

I am reminded of a song that my father used to sing some years ago. I still remember the tears that would fill his eyes as he sang the song. It was simply entitled "Why Me, Lord?" I would like to share some of the words to that song as I close.

Why me Lord?
What did I ever do
That was worth loving you
Or the kindness you've shown?
Why me Lord?
What have I ever done
That was worth even one
Of the blessings I've known?

Lord, help me, Jesus. I've wasted it so,
Help me, Jesus. I know what I am.
And now that I know that I've wasted it so,
Help me, Jesus. My soul's in your hands.

Tell me Lord,
If you think there's a way
I can try to repay
What I've taken from you.
Maybe Lord,
I can tell someone else
What I've been through myself
On my way back to you.

Lord, help me, Jesus. I've wasted it so,
Help me, Jesus. I know what I am.
And now that I know that I've wasted it so,
Help me, Jesus. My soul's in your hands.
Jesus, My soul's in your hands.

Kris Kristofferson

Prayer: Lord, help us to remember our blessings aright, and to be thankful for all that you abundantly give to us. Enable us to mingle all our petitions with thanksgivings. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.