Let Go of Grumbling and Complaining

The weather in Colorado Springs, where I live, can be wonky. Most of the time, the skies are brilliant blue. However, we get Spring snow showers, which truthfully feels wrong to me. When it’s the middle of April and May, and I look out my window expecting to see flowers and see flurries instead, I groan and grumble. But, truthfully, that’s not helping me live a life of joy.

Paul instructed the Philippians to stop grumbling. Now let me be clear. Grumbling is not the same as grieving. Grieving is when we are processing sorrow and sadness. We know that grieving is part of God’s plan for us because Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn” (Matthew 5:4). Grumbling is different. It’s complaining when things don’t go our way. It’s griping because we feel we’re entitled to something different. Grumbling and griping ruin our ability to shine in a dark world for Jesus. The world looks on at grumpy Christians who complain continually and wonder, “Why would I want to be like them?”

Instead of complaining, try gratitude. When you feel like complaining because the weather is bad, the car line is too long, your friend is running late for lunch, or you can’t find a parking space, remember, the world doesn’t revolve around you. Instead, thank God for His creative power exemplified in the changing weather, thank Him that you have a car, and thank Him for friends. The more you thank Him, the more joy you will experience.

Pause and Reflect:

What do you most often complain and grumble about? How might cultivating a heart of gratitude help erase the attitude of entitlement in your life?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, thank You for all the good gifts You give me. Thank You that You take care of my every need. Holy Spirit, would you remind me to cultivate gratitude when tempted to grumble or complain?