Just a few more letters and we’ll have gone through the entire alphabet working to boost our happiness and energize our attitudes. Today we are going to take a look at the letter “w.”

For the letter “w,” Ms. Marquez suggests that we have some wine. Here’s the thing. There is a history of alcoholism in my family. I have seen first-hand what alcohol can do to a person and the damage that can be done to relationships. So I’m going to nix this one.

Instead of “wine,” I’m going to suggest that we can energize our attitude if we stop “whining.”

Unfortunately, we are a bunch of whiners. From the beginning, God dealt with complainers and grumblers. And what did our biblical friends complain about? Well, just about everything!

From the work load, to the food, to the lack of water, to the lack of abilities, to you name it, they whined about it.

But here’s the thing. In Numbers 11, the Hebrew nation complained to God about their hardships. This passage tells us that God’s anger was aroused. What does that tell you about God? He doesn’t like whiners.

There are multiple verses of Scripture that help us to understand that we are not to be whiners. Take a look.

From Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV), we find that whining will lead to acts of the sinful nature. Like “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” When we aren’t happy, we don’t want to be alone in our whining. We will find others to take along with us. Dissensions and factions have no place in our Christian walk.

Philippians 2:14 (NIV) tells us to “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Um, that says EVERYTHING.

And here’s another thought. “Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:9 – NIV) Who is listening to your grumbling? The Judge Himself! He’s right outside your door, so stop whining!

Do you whine about offering hospitality to another? Apparently Peter’s audience felt the need to whine, for he mentions it in 1 Peter 4:9 (NIV). “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” I’m reminded of Mary and Martha. Martha whined to Jesus about having to be hospitable and Mary not helping out. What a scene that must have been.

So how can we get out of the habit of whining? I believe we find a good solution from the Book of Isaiah. Take a look.

“And finally this, God’s Message for the family of Jacob, the same God who redeemed Abraham: ‘No longer will Jacob hang his head in shame, no longer grow gaunt and pale with waiting. For he’s going to see his children, my personal gift to him—lots of children. And these children will honor me by living holy lives. In holy worship they’ll honor the Holy One of Jacob and stand in holy awe of the God of Israel. Those who got off-track will get back on-track, and complainers and whiners learn gratitude.’” (Isaiah 29:22-24 – The Message)

Did you catch it? When we learn to be grateful, when our hearts are filled with gratitude, there is no room for whining.

What have you been whining about lately? Why? What are you grateful for? Have you allowed that gratitude to surface and overflow into other areas of your life? Friend, if your heart needs an attitude adjustment, turn to Psalm 33. Spend some time with God and allow yourself to be reminded of what He has done for you. I believe in the end you will be able to say these words.

“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” (Psalm 33:20-22 – NIV)

Now, let’s stop our whining!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna