Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29
I think there is a correlation between these actions. If one is working on being grateful and seeing the many blessings God has provided them, the grumbling and disputing in their lives will grow smaller and less and less with the ability to see God’s grace and be grateful to Him for all that He is doing in their lives. This discipline of being grateful and seeing God’s grace in one’s life is essential when this earthly path gets difficult and steep. When suffering and persecution come, and with the loss of so many earthly attachments, one’s ability to see God’s grace towards them, and their gratefulness will be the strength to endure those times and losses.
When one is given so many things and has a life comfort, human nature turns to entitlement, and more is wanted and demanded, and your attitude towards those around you can become sour, snarky, nasty, and immature. There is a wisdom and peace in being grateful for what you have currently.
Paul says it this way,
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11
So many now grumble too easily. In fact, the culture in social media rewards grumbling, complaining, and disputing. This is not for the TC2 (terminally committed to Christ) individual. We have our eyes set on the finish, and work hard on the task and moment that Christ has put before us. We know that this earth is not our real home, but the one He has prepared for us in eternity.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
Are you grateful for the family you have around you? Have you told them so, with real heartfelt thankfulness? Have you told God thank you, for all He has done for you today? Can you ‘count your blessings one by one’? Are you rehearsing in your mind what God has done for you?
Where is the Voice of the Holy Spirit in your life? Is He reminding you of the things, people, and family you ought to be grateful for? Are you spending any time thanking Him for all the things you have at this moment? Maybe you need to ask the Holy Spirit to tell you all the things you need to be grateful for, and then write them out. Rehearse them till they are in your heart and mind, and until you feel His joy and peace.
Is your current depression because you are focused only on yourself and your misery? Begin thanking God! Thank Him for everything! Remember what He has promised you! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to see all those things He is doing in your life. Then go and do what He is telling you to do. GIVE! Invest into eternity by His direction.