“Do not complain [grumble] as some of them did; they were killed by the angel that destroys [destroyer; Num. 16:41–50; Ex. 12:23].” – 1 Corinthians 10:10 Expanded Bible.
Count Your Blessings, Not Your Complaints
Far too often, we focus on what we lack rather than what we have. But we must count our blessings and see what God has done for us. Gratitude is not just a nice gesture; it is a spiritual necessity. King Hezekiah understood this when he declared: “The living, the living—they shall thank and praise You, as I do this day.” (Isaiah 38:19, AMPC).
The Danger of Complaining
Complaining complicates life, blinds us to God’s goodness, and dishonors His faithfulness. The Israelites learned this the hard way. When they murmured against God in the wilderness, His anger was kindled: “The people began complaining out loud to the Lord about their troubles. When the Lord heard them, He became angry, and fire from the Lord began to burn among them” (Numbers 11:1, GW).
Complaining leads to destruction because it focuses on hardships instead of God’s provisions. No wonder Paul warns us: “Do not complain [grumble] as some of them did; they were killed by the angel that destroys” (1 Corinthians 10:10, EXB).
Gratitude: The Antidote to Complaining!
How can we overcome the spirit of complaining? The answer lies in embracing the spirit of gratitude. The Bible provides us with two key principles:
- Give Thanks Always
“GIVING THANKS ALWAYS FOR ALL THINGS to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20, NKJV).
- Be Thankful in Every Situation
“In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, AMP).
Gratitude and complaining cannot coexist. When you choose to thank God in all circumstances, you shut the door to grumbling and open the floodgates of blessings.
The Transforming Power of Gratitude
When you cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude:
- Your Focus Changes: You see God’s faithfulness instead of your challenges. [Lamentations 3:21-23 and Psalm 28:5].
- Your Spirit is Lifted: Gratitude fills your heart with joy and peace. [Philippians 4:6-7 and Habakkuk 3:17-19].
- God’s Favor is Unlocked: Good understanding wins favor. [Proverbs 13:15 and Psalm 111:10].
The Wisdom of Gratitude
Ralph Waldo Emerson, the great American poet, once said: “All that I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” When you reflect on God’s goodness in your life, you are reminded that He is faithful and trustworthy for the future.
Choose Gratitude and Change Your Altitude
Gratitude is more than just a virtue—it is a key to abundant living. When you honor God with thanksgiving, He lifts you to new heights and reveals His salvation in your life. Psalm 50:23 MSG says, “The praising life honors Me, and as you set your foot on the Way, I’ll show you My salvation”
GRATITUDE CHANGES EVERYTHING!
Beloved, ingratitude is a destroyer of destinies, but gratitude is a lifter of lives. Choose gratitude today and watch God change your altitude. As the year ends, reflect on God’s goodness and make a commitment to enter the new year with a heart full of thanksgiving.
IT’S TIME TO COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS—DON’T DISCOUNT THEM!
