Last week, I received a birthday card from a ministry partner. Inside was a magnetic bookmark with the word “blessing.” I was touched by this nice gesture and decided to take it to my office to use when I read.
Hours had passed before I decided to reach for the small bookmark again. I lifted it and examined it closely. This time, the word “gratitude” caught my eye. I remembered that the word “blessing” was inscribed on the other side. As I pondered this, a profound realization washed over me. The Lord spoke directly to my heart, saying, “You can’t have one without the other.”
Is a heart of gratitude or thanksgiving really that important? To God, it is.
In life, we all encounter obstacles and difficulties. How we respond to these challenges can significantly impact how long they last and what the outcome will be. The experiences of the children of Israel serve as a powerful example of this. Their constant complaining and grumbling ultimately prevented them from reaching the Promised Land. It would be truly disappointing if allowing ourselves to complain ended up being the barrier preventing us from experiencing all the wonderful things God has promised us.
Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. (1 Cor 10:8-10)
Do all things without complaining and disputing. (Phil 2:14)
I know some people who tend to complain a lot. Over the years, I have noticed that their lives seem to go downhill when they complain about something. This pattern has repeated itself in their lives. It’s as if they don’t realize that their complaining is actually signaling the start of the end for that particular thing, whether it’s a job, a relationship, or anything else going on in their lives.
In Exodus and Numbers, God takes a serious stance regarding people’s complaints, emphasizing God’s clear will in this matter.
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.(1 Thess 5:18)
While diving into my studies today, I stumbled upon two profound discoveries. The first one is from Psalm 106:25, which speaks about the children of Israel murmuring and complaining in their tents. It’s a powerful reminder that even when we think our murmurs and complaints are concealed behind closed doors, God hears every word we utter, even in the privacy of our own homes. God is always listening.
The second thing I found interesting was found in Exodus 16:8.
Also, Moses said, “This shall be seen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to the full; for the Lord hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord.”
When we murmur or complain about a pastor or minister, we should remember that we are essentially expressing complaints against God. The same principle applies when we voice complaints about our spouses, whom God has brought into our lives, or our supervisors in the roles God has placed them in. Our complaints are ultimately directed towards the Lord Himself. It’s important to take a moment to reflect on this truth.
Yes, God is serious about a heart of gratitude. It is God’s will to give thanks.
Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 5:20)
My dear friend, nurturing a heart filled with gratitude is essential to receiving God’s blessings. I know that numerous situations may prompt complaints. However, when the urge to complain arises, I urge you to pause. Instead, take a moment to reflect on something to be thankful for regarding that person, job, or situation. Rather than complaining, choose to express gratitude. Ultimately, this is God’s will for all of us. Gratitude and blessings go hand in hand.
