INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING, SAY, “LORD, THANK YOU THAT I’M GETTING HEALTHIER, STRONGER, BETTER EVERY DAY. PRAISE GETS GOD’S ATTENTION, NOT COMPLAINING.

GOSPEL CORNER

27/08/24

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
TODAY’S WORD

Today’s Scripture
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth.
Psalm 149:6, NKJV

HIGHEST PRAISE
Too often instead of taking our praise to God, we’re taking our problems to Him. “God, I’ve had this addiction for twenty-seven years. I don’t think I’ll ever break it.” “God, these children are getting on my nerves. You’d better keep me sane.” “God, I’m working two jobs and still don’t have enough. I don’t understand it.” It’s easy to turn prayer into a complaining session, but remember, God already knows your needs. You don’t have to tell God everything that’s wrong, what you don’t like, and how long it’s been that way.

It’s much better to take your praise to God rather than your problems. Your financial situation may not look good, but turn it around. “Lord, thank You that You are supplying all my needs. Thank You that You are Jehovah Jireh, the Lord my Provider.” You may not feel well, but instead of complaining, say, “Lord, thank You that I’m getting healthier, stronger, better every day.” Your child is off course. “Lord, thank You that my child will fulfill his destiny.” Praise gets God’s attention, not complaining.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that You are the Most High God who reigns over every problem that I face. Thank You that You know the details of every situation I am struggling with. I’m going to give You my highest praise and stay in peace, knowing it’s all in Your hands. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

SECTION TWO

When I was a young believer, I heard a preacher say, “In order to draw a straying lamb to him, a shepherd will break its legs. When it’s unable to walk, he will nurse the lamb back to health. Once it’s healthy again, the lamb will be attached to him.” That terrifying picture of a shepherd stuck in my head for years!

One day, I was able to ask a real shepherd if that story was true. Aghast, he replied, “That’s nonsense! What kind of shepherd does that?”

Sadly, there are people today who still believe this nonsense. Beloved, Jesus is our good shepherd (John 10:11). When He is your shepherd, you will not want for anything.

He is your supply of everything you need. He does not “break your legs.” Instead, He leads you to places of rest, refreshing, healing, and renewal of strength!