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Changes Our Constant Complaining to Praise, April 19
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his
wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:8
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We are heaven-bound, and we should show the attractive part of our
faith. We should not go as a crippled band of mourners, groaning and
complaining all along the journey to our Father’s house
Those professed Christians who are constantly complaining, who seem
to think happiness and a cheerful countenance a sin, have not the genuine
attributes of religion. Those who look upon nature’s beautiful scenery as
they would upon a dead picture; who choose to look upon dead leaves
rather than to gather the beautiful flowers; who take a mournful pleasure in
all that is melancholy in the language spoken to them by the natural world;
who see no beauty in valleys clothed in living green, and grand mountain
heights clothed with verdure; who close their senses to the joyful voice
that speaks to them in nature, ...—these are not in Christ
Suppose we change this order of things.... Suppose you try to count
all your blessings. You have thought so little upon them, and they have
been so continual, that when reverses or afflictions come, you are grieved,
and think God is unjust. You do not call to mind how little gratitude you
have manifested for all the blessings of God. You have not deserved them;
but because they have flowed in upon you day by day, year by year, you
have looked upon them as a matter of course, thinking it was your right
to receive every advantage, and give nothing in return.... The blessings
of God are more than the hairs of our head, more than the sands of the
seashore. Meditate upon His love and care for us, and may it inspire you
with love that trials cannot interrupt nor afflictions quench
If we could only see the many dangers from which we are daily pre-
served by the holy angels, instead of complaining of our trials and misfor-
tunes, we would talk continually of the mercies of God
[117]
48
The Youth’s Instructor, August 25, 1898
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49
The Youth’s Instructor, March 24, 1898
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50
The Review and Herald, December 23, 1884
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51
The Review and Herald, November 19, 1908
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