Are you one of those persons who constantly find yourself whining and complaining about everything? Well, it is time to do something about it. Not only does it displease the Lord but a complaining spirit is detrimental to your body, mind and soul. It has the tendency to rob you of joy and peace and the other fruits of the spirit.
The people of Israel suffered much because of their complaining attitude. They spent forty years wandering in the wilderness. Instead of giving God thanks for all the many things He did for them, they kept grumbling and complaining. We too sometimes tend to focus on the negatives rather than the 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.
In order to get rid of that negative spirit, we must develop a grateful heart. Whenever we are tempted to grumble, let us think of others who are less fortunate, or those who are in worse situations than us. Let us ask the Lord to keep us humble and grateful for the things we already have and the happy moments we experience from day to day. We have so much to be thankful for. Some of the things we have are still a dream for so many others. Let us have contented minds.
If you are guilty of ingratitude, pause right now and ask God’s forgiveness, and thank Him for His countless blessings. He is a faithful God and deserves our thankfulness. Don’t be afraid. He will forgive you.
Let this poem be a reminder of God’s goodness towards you. It is entitled God Forgive Me When I Whine
Today upon a bus I saw a lovely maiden with 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 she wore 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…
Remember the words of John Keats, “Life is but a day, A fragile dewdrop on its perilous way”- John Keats.
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. Referrals can also be made directly through the Atlantic Star Center of Medical Excellence, South Hill, Anguilla. By Appointment Only: Tel 497-0765
