Philippians 2:14 "Do all things without murmurings and disputing"....sometimes we say without grumbling or complaining.
Maybe you like how Psalm 37 starts, "Don't fret."
Perhaps some are able to keep themselves in check and do not struggle with complaining. I'd like to be able to say I'm one of those that never frets or complains. Then of course I would be a liar and a complainer. God does not require perfection but he does want us to grow in grace. So, if like me, you find yourself complaining, even inwardly, consider how those escalating thoughts progress from annoyance to ambush. Sometimes complaints starts innocently because most of us need to vent from time to time. I do. When we vent, maybe we need to consider if that's a signal from the Holy Spirit --that He is on low and we are taking the helm. We vent, blow our stack, get overwhelmed because we are being filled, to the top--over the top. The scripture says we should not be drunk with "whine." And sometimes we do get a bit intoxicated with our woes. When that happens we need to ask God to fill us with his Holy Spirit. It's sometimes hard to think of God when you are drunk with the cares of this world. Maybe when we feel like whining we should pray Lord, help us be sober minded.
If you are fussing and fretting too much, and drunk by circumstances that overwhelm you consider some things God says about being sober.
the 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1Ti 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
Tts 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
Pe 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
When I consider sobriety I'd define it as reality. People drink to escape. Being sober means being truthful. It's not just about being serious. When we are truthful we have a different perspective. Our problems, issues, frustrations take on a new perspective in the light of the truth of the cross. Oh to be sure, we have problems, and I'm not oversimplifying. Yet, those diddly little things that drive us crazy need the Grace of God, and to be seen through the lens of truth, as much as the big issues.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Hoping to focus on whats true instead of wasting time on what's not.
Me
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• Apr. 12, 2006 - You hit the nail on the head, 'ole gal
U.H.