Complaints or Gratitude

            Ben had fallen into a habit of grumbling about this or that. He complained about the weather; he found fault with his friends and with the members of his family. He wanted to stop, but somehow, as soon as anything would not go his way, he found himself grumbling again. Then he came across this poem:

When you have truly thanked your God

For every blessing sent,

But little time will then remain

For murmur or lament.

   “I see now what the trouble has been,” he told himself. “I’ve been grumbling so much that I have forgotten to be thankful for the things I have. Every time I catch myself complaining about something I don’t have, I am going to say ‘Thank you God,’ for something He has given me.”

   Ben found the idea worked. It was much easier to keep out the grouchy, grumbly perceptions when he filled his mind with thankful thoughts. There simply was not room for the trouble makers, and after a bit, they disappeared.

   Ben was surprised, too, to see how many things a plain, common, person has for which to be thankful.  There are many things having to do with daily life, like sunshine and rain, food and flowers, family and friends, house and home, all of which he had been taking for granted. As he began to thank God for these things, he had a better appreciation for them.

   As Christians, we have reason to be grateful for the things of this life, and we ought to recognize God’s goodness in those things which point us to the life to come: Christ, forgiveness of sins, eternal salvation, and peace of mind and heart.

   From the Bible, Philippians 4 brings this to mind, as we read:

⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   ⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

May God grant you a heart of contentment and gratitude in Christ.

                                                Pastor Grimm

Dave Ramsey's radio programs always end with a spiritual reminder: "There's ultimately only one way to financial peace and that's to walk daily with the prince of peace, Christ Jesus."