Grumbling?

I am too often tempted to grumble. Here in Texas where summer means really hot, daily conversation often revolves around just how hot it is. With a 24/7 news cycle focusing on all the troubles on the planet it is easy to be discouraged and complain about things over which we have no control.

I am too often tempted to grumble. Here in Texas where summer means really hot, daily conversation often revolves around just how hot it is. With a 24/7 news cycle focusing on all the troubles on the planet it is easy to be discouraged and complain about things over which we have no control.

Studying Colossians recently I was struck by Paul’s exhortation to the opposite attitude of complaining, an attitude of continual thanksgiving.

Chapter 1:3 records Paul’s thankfulness for the believers in Colossae and reminds them in verse 12 to be thankful that they have an inheritance with all the saints as well as a new citizenship. Chapter 2:7 suggests thankfulness for our inheritance in Christ as a protection against false teaching and a support to a growing faith. Chapter 3:15 connects thankfulness to conflict resolution leading to unity among believers. Chapter 4:2 encourages us to be devoted to prayer, alert to thanksgiving.

Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. The words of this old hymn provide an antidote to my negative, grumbling habit. When I choose to focus on God’s provisions and the privileges His salvation provides, my attitude and my emotions respond. When I forget, up pops grumbling again.

Today I am thankful for the God’s generous grace that provides me with forgiveness and cleansing, even from my grumbling and His gracious presence always available to hear my concerns and comfort me. I am thankful for a loving Savior who walked the hot, dusty roads of Israel and understands summer days.