Complaining Doesn’t Help

give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Bible has basically one thing to say about complaining – don’t do it! You say, ‘If you had my problems you’d complain too.’ If that’s how you feel, read on: ‘Do all things without complaining’ (Philippians 2:14). Here’s why: 1) Complaining usually makes things worse. The cycle goes like this. You have a problem so you complain and stay stuck. You feel bad, so you complain even more and end up with stress, but not a solution. 2) Complaining won’t get you where you need to go. Instead of committing the situation to God, you’re doubting His wisdom and provision. Thousands of Israelites died in the wilderness for doing that. Paul writes, ‘Do not grumble, as some…did – and were killed…These things…were written down as warnings for us’ (1 Corinthians 10:10-11). When you overlook your blessings and dwell on your problems, you lose your joy. 3) Complaining can lead to stress-related illness. ‘A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body’ (Proverbs 14:30). Be honest; how many ‘calm and undisturbed’ complainers do you know? Instead of complaining, start counting your blessings. Author Barbara Johnson gives us this tongue-in-cheek example. ‘A hand-lettered sign nailed to a telephone pole read: “LOST…three-legged dog, blind in left eye, missing top of right ear, recently castrated…answers to the name of Lucky.”’ As a redeemed child of God luck has nothing to do with it, you’re blessed! So the word for you today is: ‘In everything (not necessarily for everything, but in everything) give thanks; for this is the will of God…for you.’

Prayer
Heavenly Father, there is so much I can be thankful for – keep me focused and thankful for all You have done and continue to do for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen