From Grumbling to Grateful

Ben had fallen into the habit of grumbling about this and that. He complained about the weather; he found fault with his friends and with the members of his family. He wanted to stop it, but somehow, as soon as anything would not go his way, he found himself grumbling again. Then he came across this verse:

"When you have truly thanked God
For every blessing sent,
But little time will then remain
For murmur or lament."

"I see now what the trouble has been," he told himself. "I've been grumbling so much that I've almost forgotten to be thankful for the things I have. Every time I find myself starting to complain about something I don't have, I'm going to say 'Thank You' to God for something that He has given me."

Ben found that the idea worked. It was much easier to keep out the grouchy, grumbling thoughts when he filled his mind with thankful ones. There simply was no room for the trouble makers, and after a bit they disappeared.

Ben was surprised, too, to see how many things a plain, everyday boy had for which to be thankful. There are many things like the sunshine, the flowers, his friends, his home, which he had been taking for granted. As he began thanking God for these things, he had a better appreciation of them (from Junior Life).

Let's all try his plan, for God is very displeased with a complaining spirit. He says, "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may be blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding firmly to the word of life" (Philippians 2:14-16a).

The greatest Blessing for which to be thankful is the GIFT of God's Son!  For when we were lost because of our sins and doomed to destruction, God sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10).  Through Jesus, we can be saved from our sins and receive the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 1:7).

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable GIFT!" - 2 Corinthians 9:15

God will save those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).

Won't YOU express thanksgiving to God for His wonderful blessings, especially for the gift of His Son? 

Won't YOU express that gratitude by accepting the GIFT of salvation and eternal life on His terms?

David Sargent