by Micah Messer
When was the last time you were more grumpy than grateful? Your attitude more thoughtless than thankful? Your words more protest than praise? I’ll be the first to admit my guilt. He supplies my needs while I suggest my wants.
We do it too often. God blesses; we complain. The Creator gives us the seasons, and we grumble about the weather. Jehovah provides cars and jobs, and we protest about parking spaces and paychecks.
Parents, who could be childless, gripe about the responsibilities. Children, who could be orphans, whine about the rules. We aren’t naked, but we want a new ward-robe. We aren’t homeless, but we want bigger houses. We aren’t starving, but we want a different meal. We live in freedom and complain about the government. We attend church and mur- mur about empty pews.
God’s mercy is new with every sunrise, yet we ask about His power. God’s faithfulness is steadfast, yet we worry about His provision. God’s love is unconditional, yet we question His passion. God’s grace is amaz-ing, yet we doubt His protection. We have an unspeakable joy and an unshakable hope, but we’re too busy looking at our circumstances and sorrows.
We grumble and complain too much.
The more you complain, the longer you’ll remain. An eleven day road trip turned into a forty year journey for the Israelites because they complained against God (Deut 1:1). Their complaints caused them to be destroyed by the destroyer (1 Cor 10:10). Satan will also use your own words as weapons against you because he knows the unthankful dis-please God. When the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was kindled (Num 11:1).
The Apostle Paul admonishes us to do everything without complaining or arguing (Phil 2:14); the will of God includes giving thanks in every-thing (2 Thes 5:18).
We need a testimony of thanksgiving. We need an attitude of gratitude.The Psalmist declared, Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name…. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits…. What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? (Ps 100:4; 103:2; 116:12)
How can we begin to thank God for all that He has given us? Start by offering a sacrifice of praise to God continually, which is the fruit of your lips, giving thanks to His name (Heb 13:15). A sacrifice may cost us something, so we should be thankful even when we don’t feel like being thankful, even when its difficult or unpleasant.
Begin today the development of a grateful attitude. Express gratitude at all times in all things for all things, and you’ll become a gracious and thoughtful person.
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