Complaints! Complaints! Complaints! You hear them every day! Everything seems to be bad.Nothing seems to be going right. But is that really true? Are there not lots of positive things happening around us as well? Are you aware that the more a person focuses on the negative, the harder it gets to switch into a positive mindset?
What about you? Are you one of the complainers? Do youfind yourself constantly whining and complaining about everything? The prices are too high, the economy is too slow, the weather is too hot, you do not have enough and the list goes on and on. Well, it is time to stop and reflect on the positive things that are happening around you and all the blessing you receive on a daily basis. There is so much to be thankful for if you only stop and take note.
The people ofIsraelhad the same kind of complaining attitude. They were dissatisfied about everything. God had miraculously taken care of them during their wilderness experience, yet they constantly complained. For example, when God brought them out ofEgypt, they griped about the manna that God had so graciously provided. Remembering the fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic ofEgypt, they whined – “There is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!”What ingratitude! They were not happy about their freedom.
We too, sometimes tend to focus on only the negatives rather than the many positives of life. We murmur against the Lord when we should be praising Him for our countless blessings. We let ourselves be distracted by the disappointments and deprivations that God allows for our spiritual good.
It is time to change that attitude. If perchance you have a complaining spirit pause right now and ask God’s forgiveness for He hates a complaining spirit. Every time you want to grumble, think of others who have less; and are in worst situations than you. Ask the Lord to keep you humble, and grateful for the many blessings you experience every day. Whenever you are tempted to complain, remember Numbers 11:1 – “When the people complained, it displeased the Lord.”
This poem will remind you of God’s goodness towards you whenever you are tempted to whine. It is entitled:
God Forgive Me When I Whine
Today upon a bus I saw a lovely maidenwith golden hair;
I envied her, she seemed so happy, and Oh, I wished I were so fair…
When, suddenly, she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle…
She had one foot and wore a crutch, but as she passed a smile…
Oh, God forgive me when I whine…
I have two feet…
the world is mine.
And when I stopped to buy some sweets, the lad who served me had such charm;
He seemed to radiate such good cheer, his manner was so kind and warm…
I said, “It’s nice to deal with you, such courtesy I seldom find.”
He turned and said, “Oh, thank you sir!”and then I saw that he was blind.
Oh, God forgive me when I whine…
I have two eyes…
the world is mine.
Then, walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue…
He stood and watched the others play; it seemed he knew not what to do…
I stopped a moment, then I said,”Why don’t you join the others dear?”
He looked ahead without a word…and then I knew he could not hear…
Oh, God forgive me when I whine…
I have two ears…
the world is mine.
With feet to take me where I’d go,with eyes to see the sunset glow,
with ears to hear what I should know … I’m blessed indeed …
The world is mine…Oh, God forgive me when I whine…
So whenever you are tempted to complain think of the many things in your life that God has blessed you with.
Remember, a complaining spirit displeases the Lord.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington,Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com.
