Complaining keeps you wandering and gratitude moves you forward! This Sunday, Pastor Joaquin Pardo encouraged us to cultivate gratitude in our lives!
Numbers 14:27
“How long shall this wicked congregation grumble against me? I have heard the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against me.
There are times where we complain about the blessings from God as if they were burdens! In Numbers 14, after seeing miracle after miracle, after witnessing God’s provision, protection, and presence, the people of God still complained that the Promised Land was too hard to handle. And finally, God says, “Enough.”
1) Complaining repels. Gratitude attracts.
Complaining makes small problems feel big and big blessings feel small. Complaining serves as a repellent. It pushes away God’s presence, peace and provision. When we cultivate gratitude, the opposite happens: gratitude draws us in. It attracts His presence. It pulls us close to His heart. It makes room for His blessings to flow.
2) An ungrateful heart closes eyes. A grateful heart opens them.
A lack of gratitude isn’t just negative, it blinds you too. It blindfolds you to the goodness of God. It keeps you from seeing what’s ahead. It makes you miss what’s right in front of you and it doesn’t allow you to recognize when it’s time to step into what God has prepared for you. Gratitude opens your eyes. It lets you see through faith. Ingratitude breeds fear. Gratitude builds hope and faith.
3) Complaining keeps you wandering. Gratitude moves you forward.
“A complaining tongue reveals an ungrateful heart.”
William Arthur
Israel turned an 11-day journey into 40 years because their grumbling revealed hearts that didn’t trust God. Complaints spread unbelief, but bringing our struggles to God builds faith. Jesus shows us the better way. He faced the wilderness, temptation, and even the cross with trust, not complaint. When we choose gratitude and bring our hearts to God, He leads us out of wandering and into His promises.
