I spend far too much time complaining about things I cannot control. I spend a great deal of time driving for our ministry. I find myself complaining about traffic jams … what a waste of time! My complaining has never made cars move off the ramps and out of my way! I complain about people driving in the passing lane while driving under the speed limit, but that has not made one of them move over into the slower lanes. I have complained about the rising cost of gasoline, but, again, that has not dropped the price, even a penny! Why do I waste so much time complaining about things I cannot change?
Today I read a good reminder (which the book of Psalms is filled with): “O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 117). Rather than complaining, I think God would like to hear my praises for Him! Rather than looking at all the troubles I think I have here on the earth, why not take some time to see all the ways God has blessed me, and praise Him for those? Rather than allowing my joy to be dependent upon my circumstances, why not consider what is waiting for me in Heaven, and praise the Lord? Rather than thinking about all my aches and pains, and my physical problems, why not thank God that I can walk, and sit, and stand, and get where I am going?
Hey Christian! We of all people ought to be filled with joy and praise for all that God has done for us! I know you are facing difficulties, but you have a merciful and kind God in Heaven Who is working all things together for your God … if you love Him. Instead of showing the world a face that looks like you are drinking dill pickle juice for breakfast, why not allow the joy of the Lord to show forth from your life today? Try it … I’m about to go out for a drive, and I’m going to try to share more smiles that scowls as I drive. This is the day the Lord has made, we ought to rejoice and be glad He has given it to us to live! We really ought to praise the Lord every day. There is no other way the world it going to know how great it is to be a saved, child of God, unless we allow them to see the work of God in our lives. This is my challenge for you today … praise the Lord in the place you might normally complain and murmur. God is still on the throne, and He is still in control. We have nothing to fear, and nothing to dread. Join me today in praising the Lord for His incredible goodness, kindness, and mercy He has shown us, and will show us for today!