August 20 - This is the Worst
August 16, 2023

Proverbs 18:21 ESV
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Exodus 16:2-3, 6-8 CSB
The entire Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by pots of meat and ate all the bread we wanted. Instead, you brought us into this wilderness to make this whole assembly die of hunger!”

6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “This evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, 7 and in the morning you will see the Lord’s glory because he has heard your complaints about him. For who are we that you complain about us?” 8 Moses continued, “The Lord will give you meat to eat this evening and all the bread you want in the morning, for he has heard the complaints that you are raising against him. Who are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord.”

AUDIT: WHAT DO I COMPLAIN ABOUT MOST?

1 Timothy 6:6-7 CSB
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.

IF YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

CAN’T CHANGE CIRCUMSTANCES? CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

Philippians 2:14-16 CSB
Do everything without grumbling (complaining) and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world 16 by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing.

Philippians 2:17-18 CSB
But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 1:12-13 CSB
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ.

Philippians 4:11-13 CSB
I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

Psalm 103:2-5 NLT
Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. 5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD
Audit: What do you complain about most?

What are some blessings you haven’t been grateful for lately?

Do you more often need to change your circumstances or your perspective?
Read Philippians 1:12-13. How could you, like Paul, flip your perspective about the struggles you’re facing?