What things have you complained about in the past 24 hours? Maybe it wasn’t even to other people, but what have you said under your breath, to yourself, or even to God. Some popular things I hear, are that the weather is too cold, hot, windy, cloudy, rainy, etc….to the point that there always seems to be something wrong with whatever weather we are having currently. The sad thing it, there isn’t anything you can really do about the weather, except to change they way you dress or adapt to it. Another popular area of complaining about is how other people drive. It’s either too fast, too slow, too inconsiderate, etc. I usually know I am being too grumpy when I hear the 4 year old start repeating back some of the things I am saying to other drivers on the road. What else have you complained about today?
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: “How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. Numbers 14:26-27
My brother had a cat they called ‘Grumbles’, because every time it meowed, it sounded like it was upset or complaining, even when it was fine. Do you know anyone who is fine until others around them get happy, like at Christmas time? Like old Ebenezer Scrooge from Dicken’s Christmas Carol who ways Bah Humbug about all things Christmas and cheery. Do you know anyone like that, who probably uses different words? What is your reaction when someone around you is whiny or complains all the time? Either you want to tell them to stop it, or find ways to leave and be around them as little as possible. Its not an attractive quality. If your spouse exhibits this quality, the reactions are probably the same. You may try to do something about the situation if you can, otherwise, you try to avoid it. Really, the only cure for a grumbling and discontented person, is to have a grateful heart. Are you usually more upset or thankful about your state of being through each day?
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:14-15
Leading up to Christmas, it is easy to find examples of people who are frustrated and irritated with others and with all they have to do, because of Christmas. It is also easy to find examples of people being kind, patient, and generous toward one another as well. Having a thankful heart toward God and toward others goes a long way to help hold off attitudes of grumbling and anger toward others. Even as we hear our elected leaders throw verbal spears at one another, let us not follow their example in this, and instead use words of encouragement toward one another. Getting angry or upset over things we have no control over, really doesn’t help the situation or us at all. Instead, take your concerns to God and give them away to Him. Because He has the power to address these issues and make a difference when we do not. May you experience new joy these next few weeks and through the coming year as you give thanks and put more trust in the Lord and what he can do about what makes you grumpy.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Yours in Christ,
Clark
