Cease the Blaming Game and Live

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Cease the Blaming Game and Live

Exodus 14:10-12: “They were terrified and cried unto the Lord. They said to Moses, “…What have you done to us…?” (vv.10-11).

As Pharoah’s army approached, the frightened Israelites blamed Moses. “Look what you’ve done! It’s all your fault we’re in this mess!”

Perhaps some of us have made similar charges –if not aloud, then silently. Confusion and anger about past or present circumstances, and fear about the future may cause us to point at another.

“He’s the reason I’m not happy or fulfilled in my work” or “She’s to blame for my perfectionistic habits.” Ellen Sue Stern, author of the book, Running On Empty, says “blame keeps us victimized…”

Blaming blocks us from acknowledging the truth about our past while it hinders our current growth.

Learning to accept responsibility for our adult choices, emotions and behavior is a step toward stopping the destructive results of blaming others. Once we believe that we can change the things about our lives over which we have control, we are on the way to decreasing our anger and helplessness. With God’s help we can cease playing this blaming game and begin to live in freedom and acceptance.

Lord, help me face my fears and cease blaming my background for my current circumstances. I trust you to avenge the injustice in my past,
to help me deal with my present, and to secure my future.

Joan C. Webb