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3 Things to Do Instead of Complain
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In all things sing....
Spiritual Growth

3 Things to Do Instead of Complain

November 19, 2021
-
Posted by Cindi

Don’t you wish you had an attitude of gratitude every day, and not just at Thanksgiving?

I know I do. But sometimes it feels so good to just vent about what isn’t going right.

Scripture clearly tells us to “Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (Philippians 2:14). And Jesus said, “everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). I can’t help but think others will know we know Jesus by our attitude of gratitude, rather than being people of endless complaints.

When the urge to grumble rises up in you, when the final blow makes you want to explode, or when you’re simply in the dumps and tempted to whine, here are three things to do instead of complain:

  1. Count Your Blessings.

It sounds trite, but it works. First Thessalonians 5:18 says “ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” I like to paraphrase that verse by saying “In all things sing.” When you can look at a situation and immediately list what you can be thankful for, or just start thanking God for whatever is happening, it shifts your perspective and makes you a person of praise. That pleases God and makes you a more enjoyable person to be around.

I realize it’s not easy to find something to be thankful for in certain situations. That’s why God’s Word commands us to be thankful in all circumstances, not just the pleasant ones. It is a sacrifice of praise – an act of obedience that doesn’t come naturally – and it changes us in the process. So, when your plans get thwarted or you face another disappointment, instead of complaining, practice an immediate thankful response by saying “God, thank You for Your wisdom and goodness in this and for the way You might be protecting me from something I can’t see right now.”

2. Correct Your Thinking.

When you’re in a grumbling mode, follow the Psalmist’s example and tell yourself what to think and do. The writer of Psalm 42 was feeling down in the dumps and didn’t appear to know why when he asked himself, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become so disturbed within me?” (verse 5). (Today, we might say “Self, what is your problem? Why are you so negative about everything?”) Then the Psalmist nipped his attitude in the bud by telling himself what to do: “Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.”

If you don’t have a soul-sharpening friend to call you out on your ungrateful spirit, hold your own heart and attitude accountable by literally telling yourself aloud what to do, as the Psalm-writer did. That is one practical way to practice Paul’s advice in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to “take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Tell yourself some commands from Scripture or come up with a quip that will roll easily off your tongue like, “Be grateful, not a grumbler.”

3. Confide in God.

 Of course, God already knows your situation, but by verbally venting with Him you’re going to the Only One who is really in control and you’re less likely to blame Him or others for your circumstances.

In his classic, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers wrote: “If you are not living in touch with God, it is easy to blame Him or pass judgment on Him. You must go through the trial [the very thing that causes you to complain] before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because by going through the trial you learn to know God better. God is working in us to reach His highest goals until His purpose and our purpose become one.”

Which of these will you focus on through the rest of this year so you can keep an attitude of Thanksgiving? I’d love to hear it in the comment section below.

November 19, 2021
14 Comments
Cindi
Cindi McMenamin is an award-winning author and national speaker who helps women find strength for the soul. She has nearly 35 years experience ministering to women and inspiring them to let God meet their emotional needs, grow stronger through their alone times, and pursue their dreams with boldness.
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14 Comments

on 3 Things to Do Instead of Complain.
  1. Linda Triplett
    November 23, 2021 @ 2:46 pm
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    Reply

    Right now “all is well”, & I am thanking & praising God for the great things He is providing. I need to keep reminding myself that it can all change in a monent. Reading this reminds me to be ready for the not so great moments, but to continue praising. No matter what the circumstances.

    • Cindi
      November 23, 2021 @ 12:52 pm
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      Reply

      What a great perspective, Linda. You’re right…we have no guarantee that our circumstances will always be pleasant, comfortable, or even tolerable. So we must seize the day to be grateful in ALL things, even when things are normally well…so when the not-so-good times come we are already in the habit of looking for everything (within the not-so-great) that we can still be thankful for. When I’ve asked God to show me what I need to be thankful for, He always does. 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

  2. Angela
    November 23, 2021 @ 3:15 pm
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    Reply

    Thank you Cindi for writing this and your beautiful words of inspiration. I didn’t even realize that my complaining was sinning. You explained it so well and the joy that one can have by remembering to have gratitude in all things. I wrote these 3 things to do in my gratitude journal so I can remind myself often!

    • Cindi
      November 23, 2021 @ 12:49 pm
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      Reply

      Hi Angela. Thanks for your response. I’m so glad to hear you have a gratitude journal. Those can be so helpful in keeping us with a godly perspective. Blessings to you.

  3. Lara Polk
    November 23, 2021 @ 4:13 pm
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    Reply

    Amazing – and just at the right time…here lately I have had so much going on and yes it would be easy to complain – but I have had to remind myself of all the blessings around me, change my thinking and I talk to God all the time about it. Thank you for this reminder that I am on the right track.

    • Cindi
      November 23, 2021 @ 12:49 pm
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      Reply

      Lara, as long as I’ve known you, you’ve been one to continually count your blessings. As you keep your focus heavenward, yes, you are on the right track. 🙂 Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving, my friend. 🙂

  4. Kathryn Spingler
    November 23, 2021 @ 7:53 pm
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    Reply

    Strive for all three things. I am sure our Father will keep us busy ( in-between resting, ) by praying and showing us what to do or not do.

    • Cindi
      November 23, 2021 @ 12:55 pm
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      Reply

      Thanks, Kathryn, for taking the time to leave your comment. I agree. “Lord, keep us busy doing YOUR work, thinking YOUR thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9) and having our minds fixed on things above” (Colossians 3:2-3).

  5. Ramona Kalssen
    November 24, 2021 @ 2:32 pm
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    Reply

    Today, while shopping I let a few people go ahead of me. I then would say, I’m thankful for you, and they in turn would thank me. My prayer was that others would realize they can also be thankful no matter what they may be going through.

    • Cindi
      November 24, 2021 @ 10:34 pm
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      Reply

      Thanks for sharing this, Ramona. 😊

  6. Lisa
    November 29, 2021 @ 7:34 am
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    Reply

    Cindi,
    This past week I experienced several days critiquing everything in my path! I sensed I allowed the devil a foothold into my spirit and felt overwhelmed with my constant bad attitude. Two actions followed that returned peace/joy to my soul. 1. Sung “old hymns” of praise/adoration to my Father for quite a while. (Corrected my perspective) 2. The Holy Spirit recalled Hebrews 12:2,” Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,…” I must keep my eyes looking up to Jesus – not down on people/circumstances. My hope is not found in them.

    • Cindi
      November 29, 2021 @ 9:59 am
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      Reply

      I love this, Lisa. Thank you so much for sharing what you do to get back to a godly perspective. 🙂

  7. Chery
    January 8, 2022 @ 1:20 pm
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    Reply

    Dear Cindi,
    A bit late to the party, but I didn’t want to pass up telling you once again how much I appreciate your words of wisdom! I am careful about grumbling, but if I am tempted to I remind myself that when I do, I am choosing the devil over God. That usually stops me in my tracks! Happy New Year!

    • Cindi
      January 10, 2022 @ 9:51 am
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      Reply

      Thanks, Chery. I appreciate your thoughts. And I’m always glad to hear from you. Happy New Year to you, too. 🙂

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