I wrote a while ago about our family’s attempt to stop saying “ouch” (we had to pay a quarter every time we said it). It really worked great…we seldom say it these days.
We have tried a couple of times to start a new system of paying a quarter every time we complain…about anything. Complain about dinner, about being tired, about someone not doing something we wanted them to do, about not getting to do what we want, about the weather, about the stock market, about each other, etc., etc.
I don’t know if paying a quarter will work as well as an antidote to complaining. But I know something that will work…
David had a bunch to complain about as he was chased all over the wilderness. He had to feel abandoned by God and persecuted by man. Some of the Psalms record him complaining to God, but in Psalm 63 David chose to do something unexpected…he praised God.
I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. Psalm 63:2-5 (NLT)
Now THAT is the antidote to complaining! How can we complain if we are remembering His unfailing love? How can we complain if we are lifting up our hands to Him in prayer? Can we really complain as we praise Him with songs of joy?
Have you praised God today? Will you keep praising Him tomorrow?
