Giving Thanks Instead of Complaints

November 21 , 2024

Gratitude can actually change your brain chemistry. Studies have shown that gratitude produces chemicals in your brain—dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin—that make you feel peaceful and happy.

The Bible says, “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing” (Philippians 2:14 TLB).

When you complain about something, how does that help you? If you complain about the weather, does it change the weather? If you complain about the way you look, does it change the way you look? If you complain about your spouse, your children, or your job, does it change any of those things?

Complaining is a total waste of time. Complaining will never make you feel better. Instead, God wants your life to “overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done” (Colossians 2:7 TLB). 

Sometimes people will say to me, “You know, Pastor Jerry, I just want to know God’s will. What does God want me to do in my relationship? What does he want me to do in my career? What does he want me to do in school?”

“Always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 TLB). That’s God’s will for your life. That you would have this attitude of gratitude on a daily basis, no matter what situation you find yourself in. This aspect of God’s will is Biblical, and it’s step one.

Why would God teach you step two when you haven’t done step one? If you want to know God’s will on who to marry, God wants you to do step one—always be thankful—and then you can move on to step two, then step three, and so on.

If you want to live an overflowing life rather than an overwhelmed life, stop complaining, and start being grateful.     

When you are tempted to complain this week, think about a specific way God has been good to you. What difference do you think it will make?

As your pastor, I encourage you to ACTUALLY do this.This won't happen "naturally." It will absolutely take intentionality. So, this week, try to complain less, and then replace those thoughts with being grateful… for anything.