it could be that your level of praise is at an all time low.
Is your level of complaining at an all time high? Do you know anyone who is always complaining? Complaining can be very tiresome and you may find yourself avoiding chronic complainers. Perhaps, we are the ones that others are sidestepping. Could the reason be, as the author of this quote suggests, that our praise is at an all time low?
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
It is good and biblical to express our true feelings to God.
The Bible is full of expressions of feeling. Psalm 62:8 says: “…pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (NIV)
It is also healthy, normal and necessary to grieve and express sorrow as a means of processing our feelings and finding healing.
However, the problem occurs if we find ourselves habitually complaining. When our level of complaining become a habit. Like most habits, it can be a hard one to break.
Chronic complaining not only makes us (and others) feel discouraged, but what does it say about our trust in the Lord and our witness for Him? We may appear ungrateful. Additionally, the Bible says in Philippians 2:14, “Do everything without complaining and arguing.” (NLT)
If we need more reasons to stop complaining, we can read about the Israelites and their example in Numbers 11:1, “Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.” (NIV)
How then can we stop our level of complaining and praise God more?
We can do as David did and remember God’s goodness. In Psalm 103:2-5 he said:
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (NIV)
Sometimes we complain because we have spiritual amnesia and forget how wonderful God is.
Deciding to change requires help, power and accountability. We can ask God for the power of His Holy Spirit and to give us self-control: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”(Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)
We can also ask trusted friends and advisors to hold us accountable and we should not beat ourselves up if we stumble. If we persevere and keep trying then we will triumph.
Finally, the Bible commands us to praise God because He is always worthy and not only does it please Him but it changes us as well. As we remember and declare His faithfulness and focus on His goodness, our thoughts and attitude begin to change. Our faith is strengthened and our hope is renewed. Through our praise, we glorify God and we can inspire others to greater faith and encouragement as well.
Have you struggled with a high level of complaining? Would you like to change and begin to praise God more?
Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.
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