Gratitute Over Complaining

Scripture Texts: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalms 78:12-25; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4

It seems to have been true as long as there have been humans, wherever there are people there will be complaining. The Israelites complained to Moses several times because they felt their needs were not being met. Most of the time the complaining was complete with the idea that it would be better to go back to Egypt where they were in bondage.

Complaining has the powerful ability to distract a person from God's presence and provision. The Israelites had food and water, they had guidance and a promise from God. Yet, because it was not what they wanted complaints rose up and they missed what God was doing in their midst.

When we have a heart full of complaint not only do we miss what God is doing we miss out on the relationships around us. How many people want to spend their time around someone who is constantly complaining? The distracting power of complaining results in not being able to see the value in the relationships we have.

One of the quickest ways to stress a marriage is to complain about our spouses. This happens in two ways, we complain directly to our spouses, or we complain to others about our spouses. Neither one is good and both will erode the beauty of the marriage God has given. When we complain we are sending the message that what we have is not good enough, is that the message we want to send to our spouse?

Complaining about each other only creates heartache, not improvement of relationship. Complaining creates more distance in a relationship rather than a drawing together of two people. Complaining has the power to take our eyes off what God has given us and to create division in a marriage. May we be people who replace complaining with gratefulness. Then we can experience all that God has given and promised for us.