“Do all things without grumbling or disputing,” Philippians 2:14
Have you ever been friends with someone who has a lot working out for them, yet they complain about the little things that don’t seem to be working? Not only do we know people like that, but we have also been that friend at some point in our lives.
Sometimes, we see the blessings in our lives as normal and do not appreciate them because we have become accustomed to them. We find it easy to complain about the things we do not have right now. God’s will is for us to be thankful in every circumstance, and active complaining does not give room for a life of conscious thanksgiving.
The Bible refers to grumbling as “faithless complaining.” Both the Old and New Testaments rebuked grumbling. James 5:9 and Philippians 2:14 tell us to keep away from grumbling at all costs. In Numbers 14:26-30, God revealed how grievous grumbling was to Him. After saving the Israelites from generational slavery, they kept on complaining under Moses. Grumbling shows a lack of faith and trust in God.
When we focus on the difficulties of life, we can easily lose sight of what we have and how far we have come. As believers, a life of thanksgiving helps us reflect on the things God has done for us. Then we can live from a place of joy and contentment even in difficult times, just like Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:1, I Thessalonians 5:16, 18).
Have you ever sat down to count your blessings? The material benefits that God has given you, the people He has placed in your life and above all, for the salvation He made available to you (Psalm 103:1-5, Ephesians 1:3). Even when things are not going as planned, you have a God that sees you and can lead you, that’s something to be grateful for.
When we remember the grace of God over our shortcomings, our gratitude will outweigh every form of grumbling that tries to spring up. There are so many things to be thankful for if we think deeply.
Today and beyond, be determined not to grumble but let gratitude fill your heart and mouth at all times.
Bible Reading Plan: Psalms 92-93