My brother DeWayne was known for his comedic talent. He could quickly respond with funny remarks. If Momma was mad about something and fussing and yelling, He could have her laughing in just a minute. Not me. If ever opened my mouth all I ever did was make her angrier.
One day after he had calmed her down with one of his quick thinking remarks I ask him “How do you do that?” his reply was “You just have to remember Momma ain’t happy if she ain’t bitchin so don’t get yourself all bunched up.”

Now, I know some of you may find that word of advice a bit unsavory and unchristian. I admit it is yet; it holds a ton of truth.

We all know someone who is always fussing or complaining about something or someone. They are always unhappy. It seems as if they dwell on finding something wrong with everything and everybody. They love to be miserable.
Sometimes we allow their attitude to affect us. The key as DeWayne said is “don’t.” There will always be negative, bitter, anger and unpleasant people in our lives. Some will be family, some co-workers, school mates, committee members, church members and even our own friends.
In mine and DeWayne’s situation our Momma was not a person who chose to be miserable. She was simply a stressed working wife and mother. Many people, however, chose to continually live their lives in bitterness and contempt.

First, ask yourself – am I one of those people? Am I constantly complaining about something or somebody. I will be honest by nature I can be negative.
All throughout the Bible many of the people God chose to use had been betrayed, abandoned, mistreated and forced to live incredibly hard lives. When God sent Moses to rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt you would have thought they would have been grateful. No! They were constantly fussing and complaining about this and that. Never satisfied. Because of their ungrateful hearts, negative attitude and words, they never saw the Promise Land.

Second, Ask do I want to live a life of promise and hope? Or are you content living in the desert of discontent and complaining?

1 I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together. Psalms 34

If we fill our hearts and mouths with worship and praise, it’s difficult to complain about everything. I must focus on this every day. When I pray, I ask God to bridal my tongue. I do, because I know how deadly it can be.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord , my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:13

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, Philippians 2:14

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16

We all have days when we are grumpy but choosing to be “Negative Nancy” all the time gets old to everyone around us. Choose joy. Choose thankfulness and remember the goodness of God everyday so you won’t be happy complaining.