Pull That Weed!

Good morning, my friend!  Good morning, Father!  

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” - Philippians 2:14

Lord, I lift my friend before You.  They are tired, hurting and struggle with disappointment and discouragement.  Have mercy on them, dear Father.  Help them to say “no” to grumbling, and to purpose today to go through the garden of their heart to tear out every weed of discontentment or grumbling by the very roots.  Allowing these weeds to persist serves to cause them to suffer more, and as they grow, it strangles the life out of their joy and becomes a springboard for sin.  The truth is that often it’s our attitude about our circumstances that makes us suffer far more than the circumstances themselves.  

Help them to not be complacent or to feel entitled to be disgruntled.  Instead, strengthen them to tend carefully to the seeds of gratefulness and thanksgiving, that in the days and weeks ahead they might find themselves blessed by what they have allowed to take root and grow in their lives.  May their harvest ahead be one of joy and not regret.  As they remove the weeds and nurture grateful thoughts, I ask that You would give them an awareness of feeling better.  May they associate joy and freedom with having evicted the discontentment that weighs them down and holds them back from the good in the season before them.  From the depths of my heart I pray they not be found at the end of their life lost and trapped in a proverbial corn maze overgrown with the weeds of negativity, grumbling and discontentment.  Awaken them from any intoxicating slumber of self pity before negativity’s pervasive tendrils ensnare them and prevent them from realizing the many blessings and joys You intend for them.  

We repent of any defeatist attitudes, Lord.  Forgive us for even a hint of whining.  Thank You for the gentleness of Your rebuke, when rightfully we so often deserve a spiritual swat on the bottom.  Strengthen my friend and teach them to make thought choices that honor You and will bless them.  Show them how to embrace what You have for them today.  Thank You that they have not been forgotten, because they are carved forever on the palm of Your hand (Isaiah 49:16).  And help us all to make better choices today than we did yesterday.  In Jesus Name ❤️

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