May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:15
Thank you for joining me for three weeks of exchanging our complaining and grumbling for words of thanks and gratitude. I hope that at the end of this journey, you and I will be more aware of how we use our words and that we will use them to give thanks to God for all things.
Today, let’s consider where our words come from.
I love the scene in Matthew 15, where the Jewish leaders confront Jesus and accuse the disciples of not following tradition, therefore, defiling themselves. He answers the accusation by reminding them of their hypocrisy. They were charging the disciples of the same things they were guilty of, breaking God’s law.
I admit that I do that. I’m guilty of spouting accusation and complaining about people when I do the same things I am complaining about. I complain that my husband isn’t listening but ignore his requests. I grumble at my children for not helping but hide from my neighbor needing a helping hand. Why do we do complain about to others about the very things we are doing? Where do these words come from?
Our heart. We must address our heart. What are we holding in our heart that comes out in our words? Anger? Bitterness? Disappointment? Even hate?
Jesus understood the Pharisee’s problem, and he understands our heart problem. What we can do differently than the leaders is admit that we harbor things in our heart that come out in our words. Be honest with God that you are disappointed. Tell God that you are angry. Admit that you are bitter.
King David knew his heart was in need of change. In Psalm 51:10, he asked God, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Let’s begin this journey by asking God to change our hearts, creating in us a heart ready for thanksgiving and gratitude.
Today, ask God to give you a pure heart, ready to stand firm and speak words of gratitude, not grumbling. Instead of complaining about your circumstance, today thank God that He is in the midst of your day. As our verse for today states, let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart be pleasing to God.
Father, praise you that you know our hearts and that you can create in us a pure heart. Show us today that you are in our circumstances and that our response will be gratitude.
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