Amen sister! I think if we are honest we all get stuck in the rut of resentment from time to time. I know I have for sure. The key for me is to capture those thoughts and make them accountable to God. I have to consistently remind myself that I must focus on Jesus and not on my situation.

When I spend too much of my time, energy and resources focusing on my current situation instead of looking to the One who can relieve my soul of the burden, then the doubt, fear and resentment are all I can see. But, if I truly take those feelings to God and ask Him to help me deal with them by letting me see Him in all things I get a whole new attitude. It may not change the current circumstances, or take away the immediate challenge but I can see hope and I feel relief deep inside my soul because I am sharing the yoke of my Savior. Thanks for the post! It was a great reminder of what is truly important to 'think' on.

Years ago, a friend and I came up with a couple questions we ask ourselves when we're frustrated, angry or resentful. "Am I going to die as a result of whatever is happening? No. Am I going to hell as a result of whatever is happening? No. Then whatever it is, it can't be that bad." It's kind of funny and overly simplistic, but whenever I say it in the midst of a situation, it really helps me to put my priorities in order and look at the situation through a bigger lens.

yes i sure do get cought up in resentment. a lot of it is from the past witch i know i should just forget. sometimes i even resent having to get up early. i should just be greatful i can get up
sharon

I never thought about my attitude being one of entitlement, but now that you've put it in those terms, I have to say I have totally acted/lived that way. I don't want to think about all the negatives, and I can't say I always do, but sometimes those days of wishing for yesterday, whining about today, or waiting for tomorrow can be too often. I praise God he has freed me from so much. Thanks for pointing out that word "entitlement." I'll be praying through that for sure!

It is so funny that I checked this email msg. I have been going through it, under it, around it, and Resentment was at the Heart of it All; at the time I didn't see it that way, but that's what was fueling, my Anger. Wow, it is soooo True, Good will not come to you, when you are focusing on the negative, there is no room. thank you Jesus, you are Still Here!!!!!

Thank you for your honesty. I love hearing the openness and self-examination that you give. I struggle with this area a lot. I'm glad I am not alone. However, I have no excuse and am determined to think on lovely things!

I totally agree with you. I have been going through that very same thing lately. I just have a pity party and poor me ect. But then the holy ghost pricks my heart and I remember that I am very blessed!!!!

Thank you so much for this post. I have been struggling with resentment for a while now. I know that this bitterness takes away from the goodness that God gives. Its good to know that I'm not the only person who battles resentment. I know I have to saturate my mind and heart with God's word, which in turn, His goodness and love is instilled in me. When I am full of His love and goodness, then the resentment seems to fade. I know His love for me, after all, He sees the "big picture", then my bitterness turns more to love. I don't always win this battle, sometimes I also give in and allow the resentment to overtake me. I love knowing that we have a wonderful Savior who loves us, even when we're being resentful.

Thank goodness-- I am not the only one who feels like this .... Thanks so much for sharing! Just think God put your feelings out there to encourage others just like me... thanks so much.

Was at a support group a couple of weeks ago and we were talking about resentment. One of the speakers definition of resentment is "Frozen Anger". I love this, because I would never admit to being angry at someone when I am really resentful. Thanks for this post, I spin-cycle down into resentment so easily, and in the process get really crabby with my family.
Karin

Thank you for your words. It is fabulous to know that I am not the only one drowning in my own self pity. I really have been thinking that my life should be going better than it is right now, so much doesn't seem to be in place. Thanks for the encouragement to focus on God and all that is good.

Recently my husband and I left our careers in the Army for civilian life. After praying and agonizing over the decision and discussing the matter at length with my husband, we agreed that we were at a place financially where I could go to college full-time without having to work (thank God!). Being dependent on my husband for everything has really put an end once and for all to the resentment I use to have towards so many little things in my life before (petty things). Now I have gratitude in abundance! I am gratedul for the home my husband is able to provide for me. I am grateful that we can afford the rent every month, the utility bills, and groceries with money left over to make generous contributions to the local food bank as well. I am grateful for the '96 vehicle I drive that is holding up despite being shipped all around the world for twelve years! I am grateful that we have money left over every pay day for a savings and to invest. I am grateful for my husbands job and income and our health. I am grateful for the opportunity to go to college full-time and only having to focus on my classes. How can I resent anything in my life when I am so incredibly blessed and see God providing for all our needs every day of our lives?

I've experienced the most hated thing a wife could experience...

For five months now i've been struggling with a broken heart and a broken spirit... Right now, i'm just living for the sake of living that anytime i just break ...Right now, i don't know where my faith is...

But know what? It's funny...'coz somewhere deep inside me i feel that God would not release me from His grip...

It was providential that I came here tonight. I have resentment towards my mother-in-law, & I have been letting it consume me today. Earlier, I was telling a friend that I am going to ask God to give her an extra special blessing, because of the resentment I've been harboring. I feel so inadequate around this woman, & knowing that I am going to be living close to her soon is eating away at me. I am tired of the diet plans thrust at me and negative comments on my body and hair. I'm not a young bride, but I am too old for this. The woman is going to be 79 soon, & I was so supportive & encouraging to my husband to move closer to her when he retires...& now I am full of anxiety. Thank you for posting this about resentment, & for offering me an opportunity to just vent. Now, I am going to pray. And I ask for prayers, please.

I agree, we all lose hope with resentment and lose focus on the real joys of life. I was having a pity party myself this morning while driving to work. Nevertheless, reading this article reminded me to focus on God and do his work for his Kingdom. Thank you!

Thank God that he is so faithful and knows us better than we know. Sometimes we get so caught in the me that we forget to look for his will and direction. Thanks for the words of encouragement, lets look more at the good in our lives and leave the resentments and cares of this world in his hands.

I was surfing around the Internet this morning and came across this web-site. I believe that nothing happens by accident. As a poet, and as a resident of life, I really enjoyed the article. I believe that we all experience resentments sometimes in our lives. Show me someone who doesn't and I will show you someone who has not lived long enough.
I also enjoyed reading the other comments. A little note to Sunshine: Put your trust in God, and not in earthly man. For if you put your trust in man, man will fail you again and again. Just as your name implies, just lean on the Lord through it all, and eventually, once again, sunshine you will find. Remember, you are the Lord's sunshine. Live for Him! Back to the article. You said in all honesty that when you can't see the goodness, you can't see God. But, and I know it's easier said than done, we must walk by faith and not by sight. And yes, pity parties feel good at first, but they are dangerous to attend, for satan the manslayer is the host of such parties. If we feel as if we must attend, let us not tarry there long and get out fast, or satan will take up down fast! I'm going through a host of things at this time and have a lot of resentment also, but because I believe in God's Word I know that He's not going to put anymore upon me than I can bear, which means I can do it. It's already a done deal, but I must watch 'how' I react to what I'm going through. Will I succumb to my problems and give up, blow up, or throw up (smile), or will I stand firm in my faith and try my best to endure until the end. It's true, problems help hone our character. My character has been honed and it is being honed as I write. And you know what? I like me. No, I love me. I came to find out that it's really not 'what' we go through, because we're all going to go through something, but it's 'how' we go through. Besides, God gives us senses. Many say five, but I beg to differ. That number fails to include our spiritual sense. So, let's use all of our senses to help ourselves and others along life's way. With all of that said, God has blessed me to write an incredible book, but no one really knows it exists. Now you do. Please check it out on amazonbooks.com or barnesandnobles.com. It's entitled, "Come Inside" by Beverly Leonard. It will surly bless your heart, mind, and soul. My e-mail is b13768@aol.com. May God continue to bless and keep you all in His loving care.
Peace from the Poet

I wanted to cry when I read this article. The resentment I feel for the place I live and some of them people I live with has over taken me to great lenghts at times. The reason for me wanting to cry is cause I truely thought I was the only one who could feel this kind of resentment. Thank you to all the women who have responded to this article. If it wasn't for the responese I would not have realized how much satan has ruled over me with resentment.

Thank you and God for you all.
Lynn

So I've been hurt in relationships the past couple of years, as well as disappointed in my own life as I've been dealing with panic attacks and anxiety out of nowhere. Now I seem like a different person, who has to deal with negative thoughts, doubts, resentment, hurts, so often. I know I need healing from it. But sadly in my case it seems my resentment has been pointed towards God, and the very one who could get me through I am experiencing not only resentment but disbelief and anger towards Him. I don't know where this will lead but I don't think its worth falling away from Him over. Sometimes our feelings are so strong and we WANT to believe, WANT to be happy but our insides just say No. We can't force ourselves to believe. I want to want to believe, to know His love and not just force myself to believe in it. What then?

oh...............tht was an answer to my prayers

Thank you for your post. I read about having an "attitude of gratitude". I just haven't managed it yet. Resentment towards the people and situations in my life is starting to make me bitter. It all just feels like such hard work and yet I know how I can turn it around, I just don't seem to be able to find the right reassurances to do it. In leadership for many years now I think I am just weary from it all. I have little around me to encourage me to think that people are nothing more than essentially self consumed... and yet....
I know God is in the little things and I have much to be thankful for. I just don't always see it. I will go and get my journal and tonight, start writing down the things I can be thankful for. I think there maybe more than I feel!

I can see God in the little areas of my life but when it comes to my family I feel they have all run away except my dear husband. God seems silent and His written word, although I read it and meditate in some areas it does not hold true ....at least not yet.

I think I have resentement towards just about every person in my life including God. But that's because they don't all act according to MY will. But then I realize IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT ME!!! I am going to take out my journal now and write everything I'm thankful for. I am also going to pray for freedom from the bonds of resentment because they make you a slave in so many areas of thour life!

I am in need of scriptures so that I can be encouraged I have decided to follow Gods lead and serve him and since I have made this decision I have been attacked from all angles my husband left i have lost my job I know God is with me and yet sometimes i find myself smoking cigarettes for some reason I find myself asking why when I should be saying why not me Why do I continue to pick up a cigarette when I should be picking up his Word and exercise my faith & believe?

I resent my husband for being drunk. I resent my husband for trying to control me and always finding fault with me and never letting the little things go. I resent my husband for being a jerk most of the time, and I resent him for constantly complaining that he feels like a nobody when he insists that the world revolve around him. How do I not resent him. Each day I start over. I forgive and let go and he does it some more. Where is the line drawn? Do I have a right to feel resentful. I don't want to feel angry every time he is home. I don't want to feel like I can't wait for him to fall asleep so that I can do what I want even if it is to read a book because when he is awake he demands my constant attention and he is resentful of me if I do anything otherwise. How do I do this? I love him but he makes me hate my life.