October 14th
Read: Psa. 68:17-20; 1 Cor 10:1-10; Philippians 2:14 & Philippians 4:4-9
Complaining has no roots in love. The roots of complaining are imbedded In self-centeredness, that well-fed area or our beings whence springs pride. It is the fruit of dissatisfaction with God and what we perceive as His dealings with us. Complaining expresses our frustration with those around us, with the circumstances of life, and with ourselves. When we find ourselves powerless, we complain. When others gain ground and we remain static or know loss, we complain and usually begin to lay blame.
Complaining never pleases God, although we may see our cause as just. Complaining denies His power, His sovereignty, perhaps His very existence. As we complain we ignore God’s loving and gracious generosity towards us and, it seems, decide for ourselves better ways for His sovereignty to function, something more to our liking, more to our understanding.
Complaining is the direct opposite of thanksgiving or rejoicing, both of which we are exhorted to practice throughout God’s Word. A thankful heart and rejoicing spirit are the true fruits of love. Praise fills the throne-room of God. Thanksgiving resounds in His courts. Rejoicing is the climate of that holy place where He resides.
Let us remember that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit of God. Let us disdain the complaining spirit of the world and of the pride of life, and instead flood His dwelling place with the delights of His praise, rejoicing that He is, that He has moved on our behalf through the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that our hope of glory lies in Him, not in any earthly pleasure or man’s approbation.
EXALTATION
Heart and mind can never hold
Nor tongue yet tell the whole
Of all the wonders I behold
As God expands my soul.
His glory radiates o’er the earth,
Brightening all I see.
It permeates my little worth,
Exalting its degree.
His splendor lifts and shows me things
That tongue can never tell,
Where all the songs which my heart sings
In angel chorus swell.
My earthly passage is made bright
With color and light and sound,
For in my life there is no night
With His glory all around.
Prayer: Dear Father, teach me to praise You rather than to murmur about my lot.