iBelieve - Christian Women Inspirational Devotionals

Your Nightly Prayer

Gratitude that Defeats Grumbling
Your Nighlty Prayer
by Britt Mooney

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Philippians 2:14

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Grumbling naturally happens. Things don’t go our way, and we start complaining. Frustration breeds the grumble.

It happens with small provocation. My computer doesn’t work right. Traffic gets heavy, and I might be late.

These inconveniences feel personal, like the people get “in our way” going “too slow.” We start to blame others for our problems, inconveniences, and frustrations. As we give space and choose to continue grumbling, we view others as an enemy instead of a neighbor. These minor inconveniences allow our real enemy, Satan, to weasel his way into our hearts. And if we can’t blame the people around us, we begin to believe lies about ourselves and ultimately God.

Hopefully, we can understand why the apostle Paul makes a strong and absolute statement in Philippians 2. He gives no excuses. “Do everything …” We easily justify our complaining, like we can’t help it, part of why our pride blames someone. Paul gives no situation where we get to complain and grumble.

In reality, there’s one part we don’t have control over, and that’s our initial frustration. My mentor used to say, “You can’t help a bird from landing on your head. But you can stop him from building a nest there.” We can’t help the initial feeling. However, with God’s grace and by the Spirit, we aren’t slaves to our human nature. We can choose not to go down the path.

Now, resisting the temptation is only part of the solution. Focusing on the negative will keep us in frustration. Fortunately, God has given us a way to replace grumbling with praise.

To change our thinking requires our humility (pride wants to grumble), intentionally relying upon the Spirit within us. With his power, we then choose two things. First, gratitude. Sometimes it feels impossible, but God still does miracles. The person of God, just who he is, will always be worthy of praise. Second, prayer. Switching focus doesn’t deny that a problem exists. Beginning with praise and thankfulness, we bring our requests and issues before the King and Judge of All. This is also in Philippians (4:6-7), where Paul says the result will be peace in our hearts.

It requires discipline and repentance when we slip up, but his peace is worth it.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for grumbling when things don’t go my way. Teach me to resist frustration before it builds a nest in my brain. By your Spirit, help me choose gratitude over complaining and praise over negativity. Humble my heart so pride won’t justify blaming others or you. Lead me to face troubles with praise and prayer. Fill me with your shalom that surpasses understanding, and let my actions reveal your grace.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. What are some everyday situations where you feel frustrated?
2. What are some practical ways to shift your focus during these moments?
3. Do you have a gratitude journal? Maybe try writing down thanksgiving for a week and see how it renews your mind.

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Britt Mooney Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight.