PSALM 9:1 I WILL GIVE THANKS TO YOU, LORD, WITH ALL MY HEART; I WILL TELL OF ALL YOUR WONDERFUL DEEDS.
I’ve been noticing something lately… the complaining is getting louder and louder. More and more people are taking to the airwaves to express their grievances. I think it’s the political climate and the 24 hour news cycle, but I also think it’s the fact that we now have more and more platforms where we can express our inner-most feelings. From our political leanings to how we feel about various products or people, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc have become a public forum for getting things off our chests. I’m beginning to wonder if this is seriously impacting our ability to communicate face-to-face. On top of this, I think that our civil discourse and the ability to love one another is taking a precipitous nose dive. We’re all becoming well-versed and practiced ‘freelance critics’.
Now, don’t get me wrong, social media also has its merits. We can communicate and see our loved ones who live hundreds, if not thousands of miles away. We can see pictures, celebrate achievements, and participate in conversations with people from all over the world. But as with all things… moderation and contemplation are key! Think before you speak and for heaven’s sake, follow your mother’s advice, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
The reason I entitled this post Gratitude is Riches and Complaint is Poverty because I think we need to spend more time in the ‘riches’ category and less time in the down-and-out category.
So let’s talk about that quote for a minute. When I say riches and poverty, I’m not talking about money or wealth. I’m talking about the very soul of a human being. When you’re bogged down in complaint, you become a deprived person subsisting on the meager crumbs of dissatisfaction. I know, it’s a stark and rather depressing image, but I’ve seen it happen.
On the flip side, when you’re filled with gratitude and an incredible thanksgiving at the bounty of blessings you have, your life is suddenly filled with sensory richness. Colors are more vibrant, smells are more distinct, touch is more enjoyable, and joy is more apparent. You can’t be unhappy and grateful at the same time. It’s impossible. So, how do we change our mindset? We start by changing our very environment. We go to church.
I find it interesting that we applaud and give awards to the snarky commentator who tears people down and roll our eyes at the guy at the pulpit who is sharing God’s Good News of Grace and Love. There is something wrong with this picture! I recommend you do the opposite.
Start filling your life with the good news of the Gospel. Fellowship with like-minded believers who are also trying to fill their lives with the riches of gratitude and shut out the angry mobs on T.V. and social media.
There is no blessing greater than the salvation offered by Christ and nothing to be more grateful for than a loving and faithful Father. So, join me this Sunday and then go to the house of the Lord and experience and be thankful for all the riches He affords you.
