I was all like 'Woah, Joyce. What are you saying? Haven't you heard about all this work I need to get done? Haven't you heard about this situation or that one that's currently in my life? I feel I'm entitled to at least a mini moan'.
And then I realised I was totally wrong.
Sometimes it's really easy to think that we're allowed to complain. We make loads of excuses that basically just try to get us off the hook. Exhibit A...I'm writing a dissertation and I've just got so much to do. Well, actually, so are loads of other people. Plus, as cringe as it sounds, I (we?) need to value the education that we are fortunate enough to get. I just read the story of Malala who got shot in the face by the Taliban for daring to speak up for girls' education. Imagine if they heard me moaning about all the studying I have to do? I'm betting I'd be pretty embarrassed in any post moan conversations with those girls.
Most importantly, Jesus gives us a better option. There's this little word that springs up across the Bible...rejoice. That's not a fluffy feeling that you get to access when you're in the mood, it's a choice. Also, it's not a good suggestion that you could follow up if your friends get fed up of your constant moaning. If you love Jesus, it's actually a command.
A classic verse on this is Psalm 118:24 - 'This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it'. Whatever's going on in our lives, we have a massive reason to rejoice and choose thankfulness - because every day is a gift from God and not something that we should take for granted. What's more, there are other amazing reasons to choose celebration over complaining - God is with us in whatever situation we're facing and, better yet, He dealt with the biggest problem we'll ever face through the cross.
If you're reading this I give you total permission to interrupt my moaning...let's encourage each other to push past complaining and live in a better way.
Rhi x
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