I was copying some pages from a music book on my printer at home, and suddenly was engulfed in the realization that I am so blessed with what God has given me! I have a home with a computer, printer, musical instrument, books, etc. I am so blessed!
Compared to what some people are enduring right now, their homes washed away by hurricane Sandy, living in shelters and trying to go to their jobs, if their job is indeed functioning, and that’s if they have transportation. We are truly blessed here in Texas and I won't complain.
Jesus said “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
You see, I’d be willing to bet you're like me, and could think of a few things you're unhappy about. In fact, given the opportunity for conversation, we could try to beat each other with our miseries! That’s what we do, isn’t it?
But when we read the Old Testament, we see that’s exactly what kept the Israelites going around that same old mountain. Instead of praising God for what they did have, they murmured and complained about what they didn’t have.
Genesis 16: 8 “And Moses said, This shall be, when the Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord.”
In this sentence Moses told them that the complaints they had directed towards them were really against God, because Moses and Aaron hadn’t done anything to harm them!
How often do we blame others for what we ourselves have brought upon us? Decisions we’ve made in the past are what brought us this far, right? Do you blame yourself or someone else? Isn’t God really in control of our circumstances? If we’re His, He’s leading us by testing our hearts and chastising our rebelliousness. So when we complain, we’re complaining against Him, and that’s not good.
In Genesis 16 we see that God tried everything He could to please the Israelites. But no matter what He gave them, they still complained. And we’re no better!
We just went through Thanksgiving, and before our dinner my sister-in-law led a wonderful prayer, thanking Jesus for many things (usually they ask us to lead the prayer), but her heart was so full of gratitude that she felt moved to tell Jesus, and her children and grandchildren were there to be a part of it! It was an awesome inspiration for our family.
Lamentations 3:21-26” 21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25 The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”
Although we have complaints, we should search for things to be grateful for! We should thank God for all our blessings before we approach His throne with any complaints. He knows what we need, and those complaints are what He uses to grow us up!
It is written: “And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.” Psalm 35:28
Psalm 34:13 “13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.”
Romans 1:21 “21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”
James 1:2-3” 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
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