As I grow older and my health declines, there are days when I really wish there was a PITY CLUB that I could attend. Yet instinctively I know how foolish it is to balk at burdens and to fret because unpleasant experiences come our way. Who needs pain or frustrations?
From an yellowed clipping, I gleaned these words of helpful commentary by O. G. Wilson.
“Like all men, the believer is exposed to physical difficulties and disease. In those days he turns to complaining and self-pity, the ‘song of the Lord’ is hushed to silence. ‘I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed,’ says the psalmist.(Psalm 77:3). It is always so. If Satan is allowed to drive a little wedge of complaint into the soul, at once all its inner fortitude and strength ebbs away.”
O. G. Wilson continues: ‘I saw a man who was sick, hungry and unable to take a step and yet whose smile was as cheery as the chirp of the first robin of spring. Then I met a man radiantly happy , from whose eyes all sight had been lost due to an accident. I visited a rest home where a penniless man was singing joyously the triumphant songs of grace.’
The Lord knows I need to change my attitude. A spirit of discontent shows a lack of positive faith in Christ.
Here are some suggestions for overcoming a complaining attitude. This alternative gives God an opportunity to work creatively, both in us and in out circumstances.
Remember that your troubles did not take God by surprise. He is still in control.
Believe that God has a solution , a provision, or a gift of wisdom to match your difficulty.
Pray, affirming your faith in God and expressing your confidence in His loving purpose for you.
Wait with expectancy and availability, trusting God to work out His perfect will.
Praise Him -even before He acts
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Finally, if you find yourself wearing ’a spirit of heaviness,’ try changing into ’the garments of praise!’ Stop pouting and start praising!
I thank you God for mercies shown (and)
For your great love that I have known.
I’m grateful for the life you’ve blessed (but)
Sometimes I forget, I must confess
To give my praise to you alone (who)
Died on the cross-our sins to atone.
We need to shed all pretense-all façade (and)
Remember redemption is a gift from God.
3 comments:
such a good word. Hope you are okay. :) xoxo
such a good word. Hope you are okay. :) xoxo
i like it; pouting or praising is a choice we make; the gold is not purified except thru the fire; the sculpture is not finished until all the unwanted parts are chipped off.
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