How often have you found yourself complaining about something in your life? About your job/boss/coworkers? Your spouse or family? Traffic? A prayer that has not yet been answered? A difficult situation you are going through? It is easy to fall into the trap of complaining. I call it a trap because while it seems harmless, it actually has significant consequences in your life and the lives of those around you!
*Complaining creates division
-Jude 16-19 (NASB) These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts…These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit
*Complaining leads to destruction
-1 Corinthians 10:10 (NKJV) nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer
*We are urged to do EVERYTHING without complaining in order to remain above reproach and be a light to this world.
-1 Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world
Light and darkness attract different things. Do you want to be someone who attracts darkness (through complaining) or someone who draws people into His marvelous light?
Breaking free from the pitfall of complaining is actually VERY SIMPLE.
*We overcome darkness with light. Therefore, we overcome the urge to complain with a heart of thanksgiving!
Romans 1:21 (AMP) demonstrates this: “For even though they knew God [as the Creator], they did not honor Him as God or give thanks [for His wondrous creation]. On the contrary, they became worthless in their thinking [godless, with pointless reasonings, and silly speculations], and their foolish heart was darkened.”
Here are 3 keys to Developing a Thankful Heart: (Philippians 4:6-8)
1. Pray about everything
- Stop stressing (complaining) about the burdens of this world. Instead, turn to prayer and give the burdens to God.
- If you find yourself complaining to God (in prayer), remember to shift your prayer life from a time of worrying to a time of praising and thanking the Lord for all of the blessings in your life.
2. Guard your heart and mind
- Forgive those who hurt you
- Ask God to help you see each person as He sees them. Your attitude toward them will dramatically shift and love will conquer complaint.
3. Change your thoughts
- If you find yourself thinking of anything that is not honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, or worthy of praise, change your thoughts!
- Begin by making a list of all of the reasons you have to be grateful for whatever circumstance is leading you to complain (for example, if you are frustrated about your job, list all of the reasons it is a blessing in your life).
- Shift from thinking about your present circumstances to meditating on the greatness of God! Psalm 95 is a great place to start!
Psalm 100:4-5 (NASB) Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations!
Let’s commit today to stop complaining and live a life of thanksgiving! I’d love to hear how you do this in your own life! Leave a comment with any encouragement you have found that works for you, or share some of the things you are thankful for today!
Blessings,
