How I Stopped Complaining Part 2

by Lynn Mosher
(Louisville, KY)

So, what are my responses?

I’ve learned that thankfulness and praise are the best replacements for any complaint. I turn each negative into a positive. For instance, if my husband does something that irritates me, I thank the Lord I have a husband and one that loves the Lord, isn’t an alcoholic, doesn’t fool around, or whatever.

If I am not grateful, what kind of abundance is stored in my heart? For out of the abundance…well, you know the rest.

I have learned to praise God no matter what. When my day is darkened with a multitude of problems that need to “take a ticket, take a seat,” and the songs of my heart begin to stick in my throat, do I still sing to Him anyway? You bet!

When my eyes spill over with the tears of heartache, do I still look to Him and praise Him? Absolutely!

When chaos invades my world, do I still claim His peace and praise Him? Yes, indeedy! For “I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace.” (Psalm 34:1 TLB) Amen!

David wrote, “Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God.” (Psalm 42:5 AMP)

James said to count it all joy. Defined, that means to lead, rule, consider, command with authority, or think it all joy when surrounded with trials and adversities. Therefore, I will command my rejoicing.

I can command my negative thoughts because the Word says I can by “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5 KJV)

If I constantly boo-hoo my circumstances more than praising God, I magnify my circumstances above God’s character and power. David said, “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” (Ps. 69:30 NKJV)

We are all so much more fortunate and blessed than two-thirds of the world, and yet, we whine when our new shoes pinch our feet!

I leave you with Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Phil. 4:8 NLT)