Complain and Remain, Praise and Be Raised

So I was reading through my daily devotional on YouVersion, a great bible app I use daily, and the message today was head on. The phrase: Complain and Remain, Praise and Be Raised is going to be my new saying!

It said that words are containers of power. When we grumble and complain, the words we are using are carrying destructive power. They affect no only you but those you are speaking with, polluting the mind. When we complain about our current situation we remain in it, when we praise God in the midst of it, He raises us out of it.

This is powerful to me because in my situation over here in Romania, I find myself complaining and venting with teammates. Although it helps me feel better and releases some anger, by finding community in this, I remain in the painful or destructive situation. Constantly complaining and thinking about "how bad things are" or "how frustrating things are." But you will never be able to move on and get past if if you are constantly complaining about it.

I need to Praise the Lord in my struggle. Like 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says "my strength is made perfect in weakness...for when I am weak I am strong." After giving praise to the Lord, He will lift me up, and beyond the situation, and I can refocus on the next thing. Instead of staying in the never ending cyclone or distress and complaining about what happened. I need to let go of my frustrations and move on. 'Nail it to the cross and press on.'

Also something I try to avoid is complain to others or gossiping about the situation. Not only does the bible say we shouldn't gossip, Proverbs 26:20-22, but it does the same thing. Keeps you wrapped up in the past, what has happened. When I continue to complain or talk about what's frustrating me, I tend to get even more angry or frustrated. So confiding in someone about the situation to get it off your chest is one thing, but like Einstein said, "insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result." By continuing to complain, nothing is going to change. So I need to surrender it to the Lord and move on. 

Just a realization I had this morning and thought I'd share it, maybe it will help someone dealing with the same thing. I just love when the Lord reveals things to me and love growing in my faith.