Greetings my dears
I woke this morning and everything in me wanted to burrow into my bed. But it’s a new day, regardless. Time to shift my focus and count some blessings. And that’s partly what today’s Holy Nougat explores. Come, taste and see.
“Do everything without complaining and arguing,”. Philippians 2:14 NLT
Everything is a whole lot for many of us when there is a complaint ban. For, it’s as though we have our life’s mission confused. Fortunately, God sent us the extra, gentle reminder to keep us focused. Even then, it isn’t easy.
I suspect that complaining is a means of shifting focus on ourselves as it usually compares our misfortune (real or imagined) with the undeservedness of our fate. Of course, there are those who see their various life experiences as a cross to be borne, and they relish the moment of misfortune. Perhaps those persons are depressed and have naught about which to be happy. Then it may mean we have to help them out. Or it could be that we are not so much depressed, as overwhelmed, and the complaining is actually a plea for help. In that case, our mission is different, although in one sense it remains the same. For it is the same, in that we seek to move them to joy. But it’s different because we are facilitating the person’s ability to figure things out.
Job, the biblical character, worked hard at having a positive outlook when his life fell apart. He blessed the name of the Lord. No matter what came his way, Job’s faith remained with God. Therein is the key to murmur-free living. Yes, it is. We must remain focused on God. It is NOT QUITE easy (especially in that moment), but choosing to focus on God’s will Can and Will shift our outlook.
We might consider the question of How God’s glory might be manifested, What lessons prevail OR we might Cry on God’s shoulder. (I suspect that Job’s wife missed that bit when she told him to vent his anger and forget God). In some cases we may need to direct our souls to bless God. Like David did. He determined to count the blessings and seek God’s face, turning the situation into an opportunity for prayer.
In fact, let’s do that right now
Loving God, to You belongs all glory, honor and praise. We thank You for this gift of life, although sometimes we’d rather curse the day we were born. Forgive our arrogance please Lord. You know our current situation and only You can keep our head above the water; only You can give us victory through praise. Gift us with Your joy which overrides depression, stress, overwhelmedness, or other emotional responses which would stir dis-ease . For Your joy, eternal Lord, is Our strength.
Bless our friends, family and foes ; shining Your glory upon each. Strengthen us so we can face whatever comes, by Your power dear Jesus. Amen
Good morning all
In Christ’s love and grace
