A friend and I were lamenting and confessing things to each other recently. Back and forth we volleyed as only those who know each other best can do. Suddenly, I burst out laughing.
“What?” she asks. “I want in on it.”
“God loves me anyway,” I laughed, “ugly and all.”
Yes, my attitude that day was ugly, but the laughter changed that; it triggered joy and conversation on the goodness God poured out on us. I hate complaining. I hate to hear myself complain. There are those couple people in my life who must see my ears as garbage cans because they regularly make dumps. I hate to hear them complain as well.
The truth is, people are going through some awful circumstances lately. There are days when it feels like the walls are caving in; you’ve had them, I’ve had them, and often times if we’re not currently in that situation, we’re crying out to God for those we know who are. There is no one else to whom we can go. And yet …
I see that note I had tacked up so long ago: Complain only to God … and in moderation.
I’m not saying don’t share your griefs; we are called to bear one another’s burdens. But face it, we usually know when we crossed the line from, “Please, HELP!” to “Have I got something juicy to complain about to you!” The first brings relief, the second adds to the landfill inside. Know what will cleanse the second? Laughter and praise, and it does a quick work.
Here’s another tip: When we find our minds filling with the kind of darkness that brings on depression, get in the Word. One cannot stay depressed while in God’s book for therein lies our Hope. Want proof?
“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” Romans 15:4 NLT
“Scriptures give us hope and encouragement…” These are the scriptures I highly recommend to help pull us up out of the mulligrubs:
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT
I know, I’ve used this verse before and often, but it bears repeating over and over again. It goes perfectly with the first scripture; we will learn God’s will for us, which is pleasing and perfect, by being in the Word. And the best things to think about while we transform our thoughts from the commotion and tidal waves all around us?:
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT
Isn’t that good stuff? I don’t want to be the old, complaining, whiny person that I used to be. I don’t want to suck the air out of a room at my appearing, I want to be full of hope and encouragement, the reflection of the Son when I walk into a room. Further, I want my mind to be consumed with positive thoughts and the Word which is teaching me God’s will and what is good.
It all begins with knowing we are loved — at least that’s where it begins for me. In times past, lamenting and complaining would put me into an, “Oh, God, forgive me! I’m not worthy!” state. And then I’d be self-condemning and focus on my failure for a period time which wasted precious time. There are times to ask Holy Spirit to lead us in a self examination, to see if we have veered from the right path, but it oughtn’t lead to groveling and mindsets that put us at arm’s length away from God. It ought to lead to repentance and restored sensitivity to His Presence. That day with my friend, I caught myself and remembered God loves me even during my rants. Joy came up inside for His patient enduring with me, blessings upon me, and never failing me.
Dear Reader, are you in a difficult place right now? Are you distracted with the waves crashing all around you and the fire surrounding you? (Or know someone who is?) Then let us pray:
Father, I thank You that You love me — even and especially when I don’t deserve it. When man would pull away, You come alongside. You see the waves all about, you see the walls of fire, yet I am reminded in Your Word that when I go through the waters I will not drown and when I walk through the fire I shall not be burned (Isaiah 43:2). You have not failed me yet; You will not begin to do so now.
I repent of worry and complaining and exchange them now for trust in You and praise to You for You are worthy. You will see me through; whether it is to testify as to how You walked with me in the midst of it all or how You snatched me up from the midst of it all. One way or the other, I will triumph. I wait for Your direction and look expectantly for Your deliverance.
Thank You. I love You.
Amen.
Thanks for joining me today as we turn our minds and our hearts back to the Word and our mouths to praise.
God's Word Girl 