Moorings – Anchor for the SoulSample

Joy Stealers

We all have experienced days when our joy is stolen and energy sapped by unexpected disappointments, mundane routines or difficult relationships. Such situations fall into three broad categories:

• The Daily Grind. The unrelenting repetition of daily tasks – going to work, meeting deadlines, caring for aged parents, minding the kids, coping with endless household chores – can wear us out physically and emotionally.

• The Daily Grate. Minor irritations and frustrations – a difficult co-worker, heavy traffic, uncooperative children, gadgets that break down at crucial moments – can grate on our nerves like a grain of sand in our shoes.

• The Daily Grudge. Persistent resentment from past hurts – disappointments with people and even God over unfulfilled expectations, wounds from an unresolved conflict, frustrations over unmet needs – wear us out, and if this grudge is not dealt with, it will eat into our souls and allow the spirit of bitterness to take root in our hearts.

In response, we have our daily gripe when we focus on ourselves and our circumstances rather than on God. The Israelites were known to grumble against their Lord. Their lack of trust in God and His appointed leaders caused them to develop a complaining spirit.

Instead of griping, a more positive response would be that of daily gratitude. Such gratitude results from acknowledging God – who He is, what He has done for us and His goodness to us. We can cultivate a heart of gratitude by having:

• A heart fully rested in God. He understands what we are going through and is big enough to take care of our burdens. The Psalmist writes in Psalm 68:19, “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Lighten your load – let God carry those burdens, and rest in Him.

• Be content in all circumstances. Paul exhorts us in Philippians 4:12, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Rather than griping about what we lack, let us give thanks for what we already have, and celebrate the simple joys of life.

May we turn our daily gripes into daily gratitude, because a grateful heart is an expression of our faith and adoration for Him.

Mooring:
• What is robbing you of your joy? What do you need to stop griping about? Focus on God’s goodness rather than on your circumstance.