Complaining, Disbelief and Giving Thanks

Complaining, Disbelief and Giving Thanks

By Marsha Iddings

 

Psalms 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. KJV

 

Psalms 106:24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:

 25 But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD. KJV

 

God has impressed upon me the idea that complaining about my circumstances is just another form of disbelief.  In Psalm 27:13, the New American Standard Version renders it, "I would have despaired, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living."  You see, according to these two verses disbelief in God's goodness and God's word result in despair and complaining.  This strikes hard at my heart.  So often I find myself complaining about my circumstances.  Sometimes I might not complain outwardly, but my heart attitude is a complaining attitude.  When I complain I am showing that I don't believe God's word and that I doubt His goodness.  We are commanded to do all things without complaining and arguing.

 

Philippians 2:14 ¶ Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

 

So not only am I showing that I doubt His goodness and His word, I am disobeying what He commands me to do. 

 

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

 

The alternative is to give thanks.  Giving thanks is God's will for us.  We are to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.  Have you ever heard anyone complain in the name of the Lord Jesus?  How absurd!  These two things just don't go together.

 

Now I have to admit, that I have not mastered this.  I know I will fail and I often do, but as I go to God and ask His forgiveness, He will give me strength to do better next time. 

 

How about you?  Do you find this area a challenge?  Let's meditate on these verses and see if we can do better together!

 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 

Dear Father, It is so easy to fall into the bad habit of complaining when life gets uncomfortable.  Please help me to learn to change my attitude to bring glory to Your name.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

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