It was as if a sledgehammer smacked me right between the eyes.
Yes, the truth I took away from this week’s lesson in my Bible study was as if God placed it right there for me. For this very moment in my life. To jump off the pages and hit me in the face. To cause me to take a hard look at my thinking, my attitude, and my–oh, I don’t even like this word…
My complaining.
In the book of Numbers, nonetheless!
After all God had done for the Israelites, all they could do was complain.
Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. Numbers 11:1
After all God has done for me, I have found myself following the Israelites’ example. And I didn’t even recognize it.
Until the sledgehammer.
It hasn’t been a full-blown, non-stop time of complaining, but a few subtle rumblings here and there… to the point my husband noticed.
Sure, I could blame it on a handful negative sources who pass through my life on any given day. Or I could even blame it on my past, and the negative circumstances I’ve encountered on my journey. But the thing is, complaining never had a place in my life before. I am accustomed to seeing the good, not the bad.
So what’s happened?
Maybe I’ve let my guard down. Maybe I quit working on staying positive. Maybe I’ve taken my eyes off the blessings–and the One who gives them. Maybe I’ve let gratefulness take a back seat.
When we are filled with gratefulness, there is no room for grumbling.
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Philippians 4:8
If I may ask, what is your mind filled with? Are your thoughts set on true, reputable, gracious things? Are you thinking of the best, not the worst? Are your words positive, uplifting, encouraging? Are you grateful?
Today was a better day. I didn’t let anything negative come out of my mouth. Nothing. And let me tell you, it was hard. I had to 
consciously work at thinking and talking positively.
I focused on the best, not the worst.
I plan to do the same tomorrow. Will you join me?
May God be glorified in our thoughts and in our words!
Blessings, friend!
Julie
It’s a pleasure to link this post with some beautiful encouragers at Holly’s and Kelly’s today. You’ll be blessed to visit their blog homes.
Hi Julie! I have been truly blessed to find your blog this morning from Kelly Balarie’s #RaRalinkup! I posted immediately after you! Your words resonate with me. That beautiful truth from Phillipians has helped me to sift through my own thoughts so many times. I like to think, “Does this thought come from God and glorify Him? Or does the enemy want my mind on this?” It helps me to quickly identify which thoughts are most edifying and most pleasing to our Savior. Thank you, Julie for sharing your heart today. I want my mind to be fixed on truth and what is good. This has been a wonderful read to enjoy during my morning coffee! May your Tuesday morning be blessed! Love always, Courtney Stanford
Hi Courtney! Thank you for stopping in and for sharing your heart here. What a gift to me! I, too, want my mind to be fixed on truth and good. I like how you examine your thoughts and the questions you ask yourself. So important. May God bless you, new friend! Have a great finish to your week.
I had a season of complaining {a lot!} too not all that long ago… Your words are a great reminder! I’m with you 🙂
Thanks, Rachel. Glad we’re in this together! Thank you for blessing me by stopping by. Have a beautiful day!
Julie, what great encouragement today! I need to be reminded to be more grateful to combat my grumbling. Have a great day! Visiting from both linkups 🙂 KIm
Hi Kim! I’m thrilled you stopped in and shared your thoughts here. Have a great day, too! Bless you!
Uh – oh. Busted. Sometimes I really am not grateful. Lord, help me to see the positive. Julie, from the bottom of my heart – thank you for bringing this up to me. I needed this encouragement. You are a valuable gem in the #RaRalinkup; I am thankful for you.
I’m thankful for you, Kelly. Thank you for hosting this beautiful link up. So much blessing, truth and encouragement. It must make God smile! I appreciate you, sister! Keep up the great work for Him!! Hugs to you.
Oh, thank you for this! It’s so easy to fall into the negativity trap and pretty soon the clouds roll in and the deceiver steals my joy! We have to work to form new habits and sometimes, we slip up. But each day is new with a fresh start and full of promises of help from our Father.
Yes, each day is a fresh start. His mercies are new every day. I’m grateful for this truth. God bless you, sweet friend! You bless me each time you stop in. Have a great finish to your week!
Oh this is good – “Maybe I’ve let my guard down. Maybe I quit working on staying positive. Maybe I’ve taken my eyes off the blessings–and the One who gives them. Maybe I’ve let gratefulness take a back seat.” Thank you friend for reminding me to watch my thoughts. They do come out of my mouth! Blessings my friend!
Carmen, they do, don’t they? Our words can help but follow our thoughts. Thank you, friend, for being here and for your encouragement. You’re a gift.