We should start off every morning with an attitude of gratitude.

Doing that helps every aspect of our lives—from our families to our ministries to our relationships in the community.

So before you get out of bed, make a list of things you’re grateful for. For example, your list might say, “I’m grateful for this bed; I’m grateful I’m not in danger.

I’m grateful for my family. I’m grateful for my church.” Even if you can’t think of anything to be grateful for, the simple act of trying to be grateful will change your brain chemistry.

The Bible says, “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing” (Philippians 2:14 TLB).

When you complain about something, how does that help you? If you complain about the weather, does it change the weather?

If you complain about the way you look, does it change the way you look?

If you complain about your spouse, your children, or your church, does it change any of those things?

Complaining is a total waste of time. It’s stewing without doing. It’s worthless.

Complaining will never make you feel better. Instead, God wants your life to “overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done” (Colossians 2:7 TLB). 

Have you ever asked God what he wants you to do in your marriage, your relationship with your kids, or your ministry? Of course you have!

God answered that prayer long before you lifted it up to him.  

“Always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 TLB).

Why would God teach you step two when you haven’t done step one?

If you want to know God’s will on who to marry, God wants you to do step one—always be thankful—and then you can move on to step two, then step three, and so on.

If you want to live an overflowing life rather than an overwhelmed life, stop complaining, and start being grateful.