When It’s Time to Stop Moping

Sharon JaynesIdentity in Christ, Knowing God, Living Free, Living Fully, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, Trusting God 106 Comments

Have you ever been so discouraged that you just wanted to stay in bed and pull the covers up over your head? Maybe that’s where you are right now.

I’ve hidden under the covers a time or two myself. OK, well maybe more than two. I felt that way this past Christmas when my son and his wife couldn’t make it from Chicago to North Carolina because of the snow storm.

There’s a story in the Bible that helps me when I feel mopey.

A few years after the Israelites made it to the Promised Land, they grew tired of being ruled by God through the prophets. They wanted to have a king like all the other nations.

Samuel was the ruling prophet at the time, and he told the people all the reasons having a king was a bad idea. They persisted in their demands, and eventually God allowed them to choose a king. “They are not rejecting you,” God assured Samuel. “They are rejecting Me.”

The people picked a man named Saul because he was tall, dark, and handsome. I’m not kidding. It’s right there in black and white. Saul reluctantly accepted the kingship, was anointed by the Holy Spirit, and totally depended on God for his new position.

But after a while, Saul decided being a king wasn’t so hard after all. He disobeyed and dishonored God by taking matters into his own hands. (Never a good idea, I might add). As a result, God snatched away Saul’s kingship and removed his anointing.

Samuel was so discouraged over Saul’s failure that he went to bed and pulled the covers up over his head. He was disappointed in Saul and felt sorry for himself.

Now this is important. If I were sitting right there with you, I’d stand up in a chair and read this out loud. Here we go. One day God said, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel” (1 Samuel 16:1 NIV).

I love Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase: “So, how long are you going to mope over Saul?” (MSG)

Mope? Yep. That’s a good word.

God asks you and me the same question: How long will you mope because life hasn’t turned out like you thought it would.

I don’t mean to make little of any of the painful or discouraging situations in your life. I’ve had them too.

But here’s what I know today: No matter how painful or discouraging the circumstances of life may be, God never intends for you to get stuck there. You should never put a period where God puts a comma.

There’s always more of your story to be written. When you loosen the string holding the binding of your book tightly shut and give God a free hand to continue the narrative of your life, things which the eye has not seen, and the ear has not heard, and have not entered the mind of man will be yours.

God goes on to say to Samuel: “Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king” (1 Samuel 16:1, emphasis added).

At some point in our moping about, God comes to us and says, “Enough already. Get up. Get going. Be on your way. I’ve got something for you to do. Your life is not over. The story has more chapters to be written. Let go of your discouragement and take hold of the next adventure I have planned for you.”

Samuel was terrified, but God assured him: I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate” (1 Samuel 16:2–3, emphasis added).

I will show you what to do. And that’s all God expects of me and of you—take the first step of obedience. Get up and get going. He will take care of the rest.

I love the next sentence in the story: “Samuel did what God told him” (1 Samuel 16:4).

Ah, the key to experiencing the adventurous life of a thriving faith…the faith you always longed for.

So, what about you? Are you ready to get up and get going?

Lord, I’ll admit, sometimes I mope. When things don’t turn out like I want them to, I put on my long face, slump my shoulders, and drag my feet. Nobody wants to be around me when I’m like that. I don’t even like to be around me when I’m like that. Today, I am making a decision to not be a moper. When life doesn’t turn out like I hoped it would, I will see it as Your provision or protection. I trust in Your sovereignty for my life, even when I don’t understand. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Are you willing to take the first step of faith to move forward even though you might not feel like it? If so, leave a comment and say, “I’m going to stop moping!”

Take Hold of the Faith you Long ForToday’s blog came from my book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold. It’s all about how to get unstuck in your faith. Learn how to let go of all that holds you hostage to a “less than” life, and take hold of all that Jesus has done for you and placed in you…the faith you’ve always longed for. The book also comes with a Bible study guide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

©2023 by Sharon Jaynes.  All rights reserved.

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Comments 106

    1. Patricia, my uncle always said there is no such thing as trying either you move or you don’t. Also, Yoda said “There is no try, only do!” As much as I hated to hear it, they are right. When you try to reach for that dropped pencil but don’t actually pick it up, you’re stuck, you can’t move. I’m struggling with this right now and God is asking us to say “Yes I will!” and pick up that pencil! I’m praying for you🙏🏼😇

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  9. My alcoholic husband died about 10 months ago. My two oldest children seem to be rejecting everything we taught them regarding faith in the Lord. I am trying not to “mope” but some days it is really hard. I know God has plans for me. I have seen His hand of provision and protection. But I am still mourning. My heart aches for the loss of the life I had imagined. At this point, I am simply trying to put one foot in front of the other.

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    2. Hello,
      I am sorry for your loss. I understand how you feel over the loss for the life you had imagined.
      My son has suffered with that disease for eight years now. Today, after being in rehab and a recovery home for one year now, I believe he is slowly moving forward. It truly is a family disease. So many dreams and lives shattered.
      We can only change our thoughts, stop moping, and move forward with Gods plan for us.
      Alice

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    3. Dear Suzy,

      I understand the struggle to move into a life that looks nothing like what you had dreamed or planned. When times are tough I put on some praise & worship music to battle God’s way! Then I look for someone to bless or help to get my mind off my mess. These 2 things have helped me greatly over the years! I will say a prayer that God sends you hope, joy, peace and all you need to keep taking the next step! Sharon was right it is a great plan to keep moving. God bless! <3 🙂

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    4. Oh Suzy, my heart goes with you. I will be praying for you and your children. Don’t stop praying!
      We know nothing is impossible with God.

      And Mary said Yes, Lord!

      “For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”
      ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭37‬-‭38

      Keep Praying!

      “Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.”
      ‭‭Phil‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬

      Remember His promises!

      Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

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  14. I really needed this. My life has taken a turn I never wanted it to. I need to not get stuck here. God is still good. I need to leave the man that has caused all this pain to God, just like Saul, God will deal with those who have turned away from him. I will ask God to show me what to do next.

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  16. I’m going to stop mopping. I want to be obedient to God. I think God is so disappointed in me when I get like this. I feel like I am stuck in these circumstances. But I will continue to pray daily.

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  17. I will try to stop moping I want God to restore my marriage and heal our broken hearts and live totally for God Lord turn everything around in my life that’s been destroyed or broken take the shackles off our feet and allow us to walk in Victory in Jesus Christ Name Amen

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    2. Good Morning Thelma,

      Just know I have been there and when I tell you I looked for every opportunity and justification to leave my husband but God told me wait. How could I wait when I was moping hurt depressed angry bitter well I will tell you when everything and every one has disappointed you just wait on the Lord pray without ceasing And watch God move. I could give you all of the details but it’s early and have not had my coffee.
      Just know that God can restore and heal your marriage I am a firm believer and holding onto what God has promised for you. God is always faithful to complete the work he began in us. Now our marriage is being attacked financially
      And my husband mentioned something the other day he said to me God has a plan for our marriage and Satan knows this and he’s doing whatever he can to divide us first it was infidelity cheating lying disrespect we have conquered that issue and now it is our finances we have made a comfortable lifestyle for ourselves so I thought and in a blink of an eye we are down to barely scraping by but you know what we are holding on to the faith in the promise that God has instilled in us and so I pray that God will heal you that he will give you patience during this.time of waiting and offer you a small glimpse of all of his promises coming your way. Hang in there!

      Your sister in Christ
      Joy

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      3. Joy, your words have encouraged me more than you can know. God sent me to this blog today and he used you to remind me that he’s got this….I just need to hang in there. May God richly bless you, my sister in Christ.

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      4. My adult step son wanted to supposedly get his life together, but unfortunately it only caused a lot of pain for me. My husband asked me for a divorce as often as he could. He told me that he would never choose me over his kids. I was so broken… It’s a very long an painful story. I fought for my marriage.
        Fast forward to current year, he announced that his daughter is moving in, but he never talked to me about it, just told me.. I am not sure that I can go through this type of situation again. My heart is heavy
        I am not sure that I can fight again for my marriage

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      5. Dear Thelma and Joy
        I have been there too. We separated after so pretty major issues. God told me “Just love him”. I argued but then listened and our marriage is better than ever. God is with you. Lean in on Him. TRUST His promises. God bless you both and your marriages.

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    3. There is a ministry to help you stand and pray for your marriage. Its called Rejoice Marriage Ministries out of Pompano Beach, FL. They offer lots of help and encouragement. God designed marriage and wants to heal it. He restored my marriage 9 years ago after 5 1/2 yrs separated Nothing is impossible for God!!

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  18. Thank you! I needed to hear this ,especially, today! Between Covid and politics, all aspects of my life changed. At 71 I have been feeling like I’m just done and my life is useless. In other words… I’m feeling sorry for myself. Your message today helped me “get over myself ” and realize it’s not all about me! If God hasn’t taken me home…He isn’t done with me!

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  22. Such an encouraging devotion.
    I’ve been there! But, Praise God I am not there now!!! I will add, if you are surrounding yourself with “mopers” – don’t! Misery really does love company. I cannot express the spiritual freedom and joy I feel in my soul since surrendering every day to God and refusing to dwell on the “bad” stuff.

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  23. Timely! There is no better word, since I was moping because hubby has asked me to reign in my spending as he prepares for his in the very-near-future retirement. Woah, eyeopener, indeed. I am not just showing my displeasure toward a very loving and caring hubby, but to my very Abba Father, and His Son who gave His life for me. Thank you, Sharon, for this eye-opening thought and reminder that we are to do all things without grumbling or complaining or moping. especially in the light of His love! Have a blessed day, as mine has been.

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      That was probably hard for him to say. I can almost see him shaking in his boots:)
      I pray your day is blessed as well. PS. My husband retired last year too.

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  24. Thank you, Sharon for this devotion today.. I don’t feel like I mope, but I have alot of pity parties for myself. Currently I am trying to wade through taking care of my 88 year old mother with dementia. I have 2 sisters that help, but most of the time, it feels like I am carrying most of the burden. And sometimes, the 2 of them “gang” up on me, and cause me to make a decision that I know isn’t the right thing to do. More to the story, but don’t want to ramble. Thanks for your prayers!

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  26. I am going to stop moping about losses in my life and move on to the higher calling I know God has for my life. Also, I love your Take hold of the faith book- it is a great read and blessing! Thank you Sharon

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  28. I needed this so much today. I was looking for every excuse to stay in bed!
    I called out of work told myself I am going to reserve a pity party for table of 1 please. Checked my email for something totally different and came across these words of encouragement. God has such a sense of humor I could not do anything but laugh and say thank you Lord I get it and I understand what you called me to do. Thank you for sharing and God bless you!

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      I love that wording,”reserve a pity part for a table of 1 please.” God does have a sense of humor, and I sense you do too!

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  29. I am going to STOP MOPING!! Hit the spot today for my life. God is good and I’m looking for that goodness in my life. This isnt where I want to be and thank God, He doesn’t plan to leave me here.

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  30. God always supplies just what I (we) need when I need it. Thank you Sharon for this piece on moping. Today I will stop moping. I especially like the “comma versus a period” example!

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  31. I like the idea of a COMMA and not a FULL STOP! And I AM going to stop moping!! (I also like the positivity of this statement: no trying, which suggests a degree of failure! But I AM. . . .!!) Amen in Jesus’ wonderful name!! Amen!!

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  32. I so needed this kick in the rear. I will get up and move. No more sitting around and moping.
    He has great plans for me. I have to be ready!

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  33. Thank you so much for this encouraging message! I realized recently that I have been moping. I called it “grieving” for the many losses I will have this year as we make an international move without the kids and leave our church community behind. I know it’s God‘s will, but I have been on the verge of being resentful to have to give up so many good things and relationships, even though I know His will and ways are so much better than my own.
    I’m now very interested in your book!

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  34. Thank you so much for this boost of encouragement!! “I AM GOING TO STOP MOPING!!” I used to beat myself up consistently over the failures in my life but then the Lord reminded me that “He knows the plans He has for me and they are promising” (emphasis added). God bless you Sharon for the gifts of LOVE NUGGETS you share amongst us all!!

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  35. Thank you for this was but encouraged me this time of need for I had been but feeling stuck for the past 3-4 years tops. I had been trying to find a way out of my own current situation . Thank you , Sharon

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  37. Sharon,

    I know you hear this so many times, but your words are EXACTLY what I needed to hear today. After many years trying, I had, yet, another negative pregnancy test result this past weekend (which also was my birthday weekend). I could not get out of bed, even for church, on Sunday, and called in sick to work yesterday. I was always the girl who dreamed of being a stay-at-home mom to a gaggle of kiddos, but this is not the plan the Lord has had for my husband and me. Your post reminds me that He is sovereign over all things, even during seasons of suffering. Thank you for your gentle reminder to stop complaining (moping), and continue the work He has set in front of me. Blessings to you!

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      Oh my goodness. That happened to me too. I did have one child, but 5 years later, still so go. One was God’s plan for me. I pray God will place a baby in your arms soon! In the meanwhile, keep moving!

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  39. I am going to stop moping! Father God of Israel, show me where to go, and how to move forward. Thank you Lord in Jesus name amen.

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  40. I am going to stop moping! Father God of Israel, show me where to go, and how to move forward. Thank you Lord in Jesus name amen.

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  41. I am going to stop moping! Father God of Israel, show me where to go, and how to move forward. Thank you Lord in Jesus name amen.

    When I try to leave a comment, it comes back that I’ve already duplicated it and it’s detected. I never left one like this before please help.

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  42. I lost my husband and best friend 16 months ago. There are many days that moping is all I want to do, but I tune into the joy of the Lord, immerse my thoughts in His Word and the moping leaves me. I believe that my story is just beginning a new chapter and I want to enjoy the rest of my journey with Jesus!

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  43. Hi Sharon,
    I really needed to read this. My husband had a massive stroke 8 months ago and this has been the hardest thing I have ever encountered so far in my life. I had thought once I retired that he and I could live our lives, travel, enjoy the Grandchildren. But nope he had a stroke and I am constantly asking God why. I have served God for many years and I question why take me and him through these trials. Not only are there constant health issues there have been mental issues as well. For a person to go from 100% to basically 0% has been hard on both of us. I try to believe that God has a plan in all of this but right now I don’t see it. Just recently on one of our many doctor visits we were told my husband may have cancer. He is scheduled for a biopsy in February. I cry out daily why Lord, and I repent constantly not knowing again why.

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  44. This encouragement is so timely. . I have been moping for almost two long years because I felt betrayed by a close friend. TODAY and going forward, I choose to stop moping. I know God has a plan for me and he will see me through

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  45. No doubt I’m the queen moper! And everyone around me suffers. I have to stop letting the enemy take a seat at my table!

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  48. Reading this I was thinking about a rough patch I’m having with my husband. Then it dawned on me…I’m working at a new place, same job just new place, and its not going so great. Every day there’s something else to complain about…
    Then it hit me.. Stop moping about it and make the best of it!!!
    I’ll try!!!
    Thank you Jesus!!!

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  49. I so needed to hear these truths today. Thank you so much. I’m reading your book *Take hold of the Faith you long for* and it’s been life-changing. May our Sovereign God keep blessing you by using your life and struggles to speak into others all over the Globe. Be blessed. Edna Petreceli

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  50. Thank you yesterday was my 65 th birthday one step at a time with many twists and turns definitely not what I had hoped looking for better days ahead

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    1. I am going to stop moping! I have a lot of life changes going on all at once and a marriage that is failing with a husband who drinks too much. This is just not where I expected my life to go. Feeling very lonely & isolated but I will move forward.

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  53. In Jesus name, ‘when life doesn’t turn out like I hoped it would, I will see it as Your provision or protection. I trust in Your sovereignty for my life, even when I don’t understand.’…pasting this on my mirror!

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  57. I am reading this even after it was sent and it is so timely. I will stop moping. I have been stuck in somewhat of a rot and I am responsible because I keep speaking ill of where I am and not speaking Life. My words are stifling my seeds. I repent today and I pray God that you will give me the courage and boldness to move and be obedient.

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  58. Hi, Sharon.
    I loved this message. I felt mopey last year because things turned so bad in my life and in my family.
    However a good friend told me I could choose which feelings would prevail in my heart – good or bad ones – I simply could choose and move forward.
    Thanks to God and His word that sustained me all this time.
    And thank you because you book – Your scars are beautiful to God – help me a lot, more than you imagine.
    I love your books and your testimony.

    Thank you for being in my life – even far away – I live in Brazil, but your books impact strongly my life. 🙂

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  59. I want to quit my job of 10 years because it no longer fulfills me to be there, i always frustrated and secluded myself from everyone at my workplace. Since last year i can’t stop this urge in my heart to just quit my job and leave by faith but I’m scared to take that step, I’m terrified. this urge keeps getting bigger and bigger…

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