Seeing the Glass as Fully Full

By Jesse LeMay

                All of us are guilty of complaining about one thing or another from time to time. It is either too hot, too cold, too windy, too humid, or some other condition that just isn’t quite right. We can also find ourselves grumbling in areas of our own personal lives. Many complain about their finances, health, relationship status, job, and the list goes on and on. For some, complaining can be a major part of life. Their glass is always below that half-full line. How does God view all this complaining?  

                We read a very eye-opening question asked by the writer of the book of Lamentations. He asked, “Why should any living mortal, or any man, offer complaint in view of his sins?” (3:39). Ponder that for just a moment. God has chosen to give us life, to provide us with air and water, with food and shelter, and all the other necessities for survival. Yet we want to complain about all these things. It seems as if some even search for reasons to express their negativity. Think about it from God’s perspective. He has given us all things, yet we throw it back in His face by always complaining. In addition, we add sin to the picture. God and His creation are perfect! It is sin, of which we have contributed, that has distorted the perfection of God’s created world.

                So how can we get out of this rut of complaint? Firstly, “Let us examine and probe our ways” (3:40a). Instead of always pointing the complaining finger at others and the world around us, we should look inward and recognize our own shortcomings. Secondly, the Scriptures says, “let us return to the Lord” (3:40b). Repenting from our sinful and complaining ways and turning towards God will help us realize how truly amazing life is. If our focus is on the Lord, we will recognize the love He has for us, and all the many blessings that are attached to that love. So, instead of looking outward, look inward and upward. In so doing, we might just realize that because of God, our glass is and always will be fully full!