When I am aware of the Lord’s presence, I am content. If I find myself around unhappy people, regardless of the reason for their irritation, I am able to continue experiencing His peace and joy simply by remaining quiet. I am also able to listen with sensitivity, empathy and understanding about their situation. However, if I engage in any form of complaining or negative conversation, I open a floodgate of harmful thoughts and dialogue which rob me of the joy I had been experiencing. The sense of His presence eludes me and I get caught up in the drama. My only recourse, if I want to return to the awareness of His presence, is to be quiet and observe. Simply by doing this, I am able to capture my thoughts and sort through the confusion that had suddenly engulfed me. Once again, by entering into the intimate fellowship I have with the Lord, I am able to experience the light of His presence and watch the darkness disappear.
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”
Philippians 2:14
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:9-10