Remember how your heart leaped when you first dated the love of your life? You couldn’t live without that person. However, before long you were complaining that your prince had turned into a frog, or your queen had turned into a witch. How about the time you bought a new car? You were excited and proud of it, but after insurance payments, high gas prices, and car trouble, you were ready to be done with that vehicle. The thrill was gone! Another example of how gratitude turns into an attitude is when new parents can’t wait for the sweet little baby to walk and talk. After a few years, the desire and the commands are for the child to just, “SIT DOWN AND BE QUIET!”  Have you found yourself in any of those scenarios like I have? I know there’s a lot to be grateful for, yet I find myself complaining about the very thing I was elated about. Grumbling really puts me in a bad mood, and it doesn’t edify the people around me who have to listen to the constant murmuring. The Bible says in Philippians 2:14 (NIV), “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”

DON’T BE HANGRY

The children of Israel had been delivered from abuse and slavery with a miraculous and mighty demonstration of God’s power. Yet they were whining and griping to God about food and insulting him by saying they should go back to Egypt. They were “hangry”, which means being angry and upset because of hunger and a desire to eat immediately. In other words, they were allowing their circumstances and fleshly desires to pull them from a place of gratitude into a bad attitude. God was very displeased with them, and they received severe consequences, but he still provided for their every need. See Numbers Chapter 11. Let us ditch the complaining and work to incorporate a “thanks-living” approach to life. Here are some suggestions:

• Create a Gratitude Journal – In the morning or before going to bed, write 3 things you are grateful for that happened that day.
• Meditation Time – Think about something you are glad that you let go of, or that is no longer in your life. It could be unproductive habits, unnecessary items, or negative relationships, etc. Congratulate yourself for having the courage and discipline to let it go.
• Express Appreciation – Take time to appreciate at least 1 person each day through compliments, notes, or gifts.
• Reading Scriptures – Spend time reading scriptures about thanksgiving or praise and pray them.

PRAY THIS PRAYER:

“God, you are sheer beauty, generous in love, and loyal always. I am in awe of your goodness and your majesty. Thank you for life, health, and strength. The family and friends you have given me are priceless. I am also grateful for your glorious presence and powerful words that have kept me through the storms of life. Forgive me for moaning and groaning about temporary problems. I am tremendously blessed. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”