A Merry Heart Does Good

The Destruction of Complaining

With each dose of medication, it is even more important to get my daily dose from my Bible, God’s precious word. I honestly do no know how anyone can get through a day without the love and grace of my Lord and Savior.

Todays reading originated from chapter 8, Discouragement Trap. in the book Suffering, by Paul David Tripp, gifted to me by Pastor Jim at Quidnessett Baptist Church.

In this chapter, the author explains that discouragement in and of itself, is not a sin. However, what we do with that discouragement 1. sins against God, and 2. makes us suffer more. “When discouragement sets in and becomes the lens through which you see life, when if forms your assumptions about your life, and when it begins to shape your functional theology, you tend to complain.” Paul Tripp continues, “What’s the danger of a lifestyle of complaint? If you believe that God is not only in control of the grand movements of human history, but also in control of the particular details of your life, and if you believe that what is out of your control is under his control, then it is important to understand that there’s no such things as a purely horizontal complaint.”

So What Does This Mean?

If we believe that God is in control, then we can not complain. By complaining, we are in turn saying that God is in the wrong, and that is impossible.

Tripp explains further, “Complaint, because it tends to question God’s goodness, faithfulness, wisdom, and love, assaults your trust in Him…. the way to defeat the dangerous potential of complaint is not by silence but by praise. The more you commit yourself to counting your blessings, the more you will have eyes to see specific blessings in your life.

Scripture

Philippians 2:13-16 For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without murmuring and disputing that you may become blameless and harmless, children on God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Romans 13:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God

Prayer

Dear Lord and Heavenly Father. Forgive me of my complaints. I put all my trust in you. I know I am where I am is by your will, and that you will be all that I need to endure. Thank you for being a God that keeps promises, and takes care of each and every detail on my path. I am blessed abundantly. Thank you for a husband that loves me, warms my heating pad every fifteen minutes, and gives me leg massages. Thank you for my two incredible children that facetime me several times a day, just to check in. Thank you for my parents, siblings, extended family and friends that have texted, called, delivered meals, and have given generous care packages. I am grateful for the doctors that reacted rapidly and have prescribed medications to treat this disease. I appreciate the many comforts of home that have made this experience more pleasant: blankets, pillows, slippers, tie waisted pants, a side table to hold my cups, plates and books. Thank you for the water from our tap and the plenty of plant based foods in our fridge and pantry. Thank you for your strength, peace, comfort, and even joy during this trial. You are sufficient for me. In Jesus name, Amen.