Really?

Psalm 44:18 Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from our path.

Have you ever met someone who was oblivious to their own shortcomings? Others can point them out, but they just don’t accept the assessment of others. Or they have chosen to inflict their shortcomings on others rather than face the need for change.

The reality is that we all have blind spots, things about ourselves that we just don’t see. There is something to be said for someone who lives a life of self-examination. We all need refining. We all need the LORD to open up our eyes to the places where we are not accurately reflecting His image in our lives.

Our text today voices a profound blind spot that Israel possessed. They are in a difficult spot. The LORD has brought discipline against them because of their own rebellion. Other nations have put them under their thumbs.

But they don’t seem to remember that. They seem to think that they have been living as they should. They have forgotten their own history of failure.

And in the middle of their difficulty they voice their complaint. “Why is all this bad stuff happening to us. We have done everything you asked us. We don’t deserve this kind of action against us.”

It can be easy to fall into “Woe is me” syndrome. Have you ever been there? The present moment is so uncomfortable that you have selective amnesia about your own role in your current situation. All your fingers are pointing outward at others and what they have done. Even the LORD gets a finger or two.

This can be one of the most dangerous spots to be in. When we are blind to our part in the problem, then we become even more a part of the problem. We certainly can’t be part of the solution.

Now there is one extreme that must be avoided in these moments. We are usually not fully to blame for everything that has gone wrong with the world. We are not the only player in this game. Other factors and other people are involved.

What we really need is a correct assessment of the situation. We need to hear the voices of other trusted individuals and the voice of the Holy Spirit. A more accurate assessment is the beginning of a return to relationship. From it can come repentance for your part of the problem.