Strong spirits: grumbling or grateful?

Are you more inclined to give thanks or to grumble? You can't do both at the same time. If you are inclined to grumble, you will not likely be very thankful. On the other hand, if you find ways to offer thanks, you will find less need to grumble, complain, or whine.

God is very glad when he hears his children giving thanks. And not at all pleased when he hears them grumbling. Thanks and praise bring us right into his presence (Psalm 100:4). Grumbling and complaining kept the Jewish people out of the promised land for 40 years! (Numbers 14:1,2,23)

Thanks and trust go hand in hand. Giving God thanks in the midst of a trial says to him, "We trust you!" And that pleases him greatly!

The apostle Paul sums it up so well: "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks! (1Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Be thankful, people! God is so good to us!

Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.

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