Try This For One Day

Have you ever been labeled a "Negative Nancy," or a "Debby Downer?" If so, you are not alone. Though pretty down to earth, I tend to have my moments of defeat. I begin to grumble and complain, or even worse--take my frustration out on the ones I love.

It is easy for us to blame others for our poor behavior, or our bad day, but what if I told you that YOUR attitude is actually to blame for having a bad day?

Phillipians 2:14 says, "Do everything without grumbling or arguing," yet many of us complain or argue on a daily basis.

God has really been pressing on my heart lately to learn to stop complaining--to bridle my tongue, and put an end to the groaning in my heart. I am facing unemployment, an upcoming important role in a wedding that is being held over 3,500 miles away, and as of yesterday I found out I am pregnant with my second child. If anyone should be complaining, it should be me.

But alas, I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, and clothes to cover my nakedness. I have a happy marriage with renewed vows, a gorgeous, healthy son, and now the blessing of a new baby.

I have my sight, my hearing, my voice. I have my health. Above all else, my father is the King of the Universe, and he promises to take care of me. Guess what? He promises to take care of you, too.

Today I encourage you to accept this challenge, as have I. As soon as you catch yourself complaining, rebuke it. Don't be as the Israelites wandering through the wilderness for forty years, complaining nonstop. God made it so that their clothes and shoes would not wear out. He always provided manna, water, and even when they complained still, he showed grace and offered them Quail. Then even the Quail was not enough for them! They had forgotten their heavenly father who had taken them out of Egypt. They failed to see their blessings and they were eventually cursed for their groaning. Do not reap destruction upon your household. Pray that God will help you to keep a positive spirit.

Get up every morning, and pray that God will work on you concerning this. Remember to serve with gladness, and above all else, to love unconditionally as Jesus has loved us.