Be Joyful Not Critical January 4, 2015
2 Samuel 15:1-6 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. 3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. 4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! 5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. 6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
Absalom was the handsome son of king David, but he was blind in his heart to let God reign in him. Lord cause us to be a more joyful people. It has to come from the Lord. The joy of the Lord is our strength. (Neh. 8:10)
Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
When we do not accept God’s will we can become critical and negative. Absalom had rebellion in his heart, he refused God’s choice. He should have been joyful that David was his father and king but he was critical. If you are bitter, critical and murmuring you will have a heart like Absalom. You will devise wicked plans. There is no sweet smelling incense when we gather with others that are bitter and critical, only stinkweed will grow in your garden. Israel in the wilderness murmured and complained. We should give people hope and joy in the word of God. Things may change around us but we can abound in hope, so that others would inquire about the hope that lies within us. You can whistle digging a ditch. Be quick to pray. A negative heart dwells in discontent, coveting something God does not want for them. They may look like they are going after God’s best, but they are just empty.
Psalms 35:20-21 For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land. 21 Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.
26 Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.
When we come up against God, we lose. There will be leanness in your soul. Misery loves company, and it is the same thing with bitterness and contentment. The reason we complain is the lack of faith. You cannot be negative or critical when you are believing the word of God. You will be confident it is well. The answer is you need to ask God to ramp up your faith. When you believe God you are happy and thankful. You may be in a situation that hurts, but realize it is working together for your good. God is seeking those that worship in spirit and truth. A vessel adding to the usefulness of the husband, not complaining. You must be humble, God shows grace to the humble but sees the proud afar. Faith is so wonderful because it chases away negativity and negative people. He is in control, praise Him. Be content with whom He has put over you. He perfects that which concerns me. He withholds nothing good from me. So why are we complaining? Wake up, don’t slumber. Tune your ear to hear what the Spirit is saying. Have a good time in Jesus! Believe Him and how wonderful it will be!