Focusing On God (Refusing to Wallow)

Along the way I’ve never found complaining to be useful, nor has it ever contributed to my happiness.

On the surface, complaining about my troubles and finding people to commiserate with seems to make life just a little more bearable; however, I’ve recently realized that when I complain it concentrates my focus on my troubles instead of my blessings. Complaining focuses my attention to the difficulties instead of allowing me to gleaning knowledge and wisdom from the trials I’m experiencing.

I’m not saying that I never complain; too often, in fact, I find myself slipping into the mud pit of complaining and wallowing there for a time, falsely believing that wallowing makes me feel better. However, dwelling on my troubles only drags me down, it never lifts me up.

It’s been my experience that when I look for the blessings in my life, even in the midst of life’s fiery trials, I live a more joyful, more productive life.

For me, the key to kicking the habit of complaining is twofold: 1) I must completely turn my troubles over to God, allowing Him to carry my heavy burdens and 2) I must continue to count my blessings.

So join me as I stop relying on my own flawed feelings and instead look to God as the source of my strength and joy.

Final Thought: When I keep God in focus, even during the trails in my life, I can stop wallowing in the mud pit; I can stand up straight and walk in joy.