Philippians 2:14 (TLB)
If you want to move from an overwhelmed life to an overflowing life, there are two things you need to start doing, and three things you need to stop doing.
Today we’ll look at the first pair: Start being grateful and stop complaining.
Studies have shown that gratitude produces chemicals in your brain—dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin—that make you feel peaceful and happy.
An attitude of gratitude is something you can start the moment you wake up. Before you get out of bed, make a list of things you're grateful for. For example, your list might say, “God, I'm grateful for air; I'm grateful for this bed; I'm grateful I’m not in danger.” Even if you can't think of anything to be grateful for, the simple act of trying to be grateful will change your brain chemistry.
The Living Bible paraphrase says, “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing” (Philippians 2:14).
When you complain about something, how does that help you? If you complain about the weather, does it change the weather? If you complain about the way you look, does it change the way you look? If you complain about your spouse, your children, or your job, does it change any of those things?
Complaining is a total waste of time. It's stewing without doing. It's worthless. Complaining will never make you feel better. Instead, God wants your life to “overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done” (Colossians 2:7 TLB).
Sometimes people will say to me, “You know, I just want to know God's will. What does God want me to do in my relationship? What does he want me to do in my career? What does he want me to do in school?”
“Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 GW). Why would God teach you step two when you haven't done step one? If you want to know God's will on who to marry, God wants you to do step one—always be thankful—and then you can move on to step two, then step three, and so on.
If you want to live an overflowing life rather than an overwhelmed life, stop complaining, and start being grateful.
If you want to move from an overwhelmed life to an overflowing life, there are two things you need to start doing, and three things you need to stop doing.
Today we’ll look at the first pair: Start being grateful and stop complaining.
Studies have shown that gratitude produces chemicals in your brain—dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin—that make you feel peaceful and happy.
An attitude of gratitude is something you can start the moment you wake up. Before you get out of bed, make a list of things you're grateful for. For example, your list might say, “God, I'm grateful for air; I'm grateful for this bed; I'm grateful I’m not in danger.” Even if you can't think of anything to be grateful for, the simple act of trying to be grateful will change your brain chemistry.
The Living Bible paraphrase says, “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing” (Philippians 2:14).
When you complain about something, how does that help you? If you complain about the weather, does it change the weather? If you complain about the way you look, does it change the way you look? If you complain about your spouse, your children, or your job, does it change any of those things?
Complaining is a total waste of time. It's stewing without doing. It's worthless. Complaining will never make you feel better. Instead, God wants your life to “overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done” (Colossians 2:7 TLB).
Sometimes people will say to me, “You know, I just want to know God's will. What does God want me to do in my relationship? What does he want me to do in my career? What does he want me to do in school?”
“Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 GW). Why would God teach you step two when you haven't done step one? If you want to know God's will on who to marry, God wants you to do step one—always be thankful—and then you can move on to step two, then step three, and so on.
If you want to live an overflowing life rather than an overwhelmed life, stop complaining, and start being grateful.
Talk It Over
What is one thing you wouldn’t change about today? Add it to your gratitude list.
When you are tempted to complain this week, think about a specific way God has been good to you. What difference do you think it will make?
Who in your life are you grateful for? What is one way you can show them how you feel?
Want the security of God’s unbreakable promises?
Just pray this simple prayer:
Father,
I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord. Jesus, please come into my life and change my priorities, my values, my purpose, and my direction. Thank You for the promise of heaven when I put my faith in You. Please transform me into the person you want me to be. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
-all by Pastor Rick
