"The Attitude of the Crocodile"
If you are a single parent or even if you are not, you most likely will be able to relate to today's topic. There are times when it seems that everyone we know is complaining or accusing someone of something and it seems to happen on the days when I wake up feeling the most thankful and joyful in the things of my Lord. I have seen this happen so many times and when I'm not taking notice of what is going on, I can find myself getting pretty bogged down by everyone elses griping and snarling at me or each other. I have also noticed that this usually takes place following my involvement in something to help someone else out. If you don't believe it is the evil forces at work then try this next time it happens! Take notice at how you feel and how the person is acting. It might be your children fussing about the way you did something or your coworker coming in with an attitude towards you for some reason or maybe it's the people that you have bent over backwards for to please! It could be your spouse who seems to have taken for granted that you have gone the extra mile and is complaining about why you don't do your part in the care of the children!
I can relate to all of these situations and some days it seems that they all hit me at once! It is really discouraging to know that know matter how hard I try sometimes people are going to growl at me and complain about what I didn't do for them. It comes from an attitude of selfishness but how can we handle it without letting it ruin our whole day or week as far as that goes?
First of all take notice of it happening and when it does, begin to sing a song to yourself that will remind you that God is your strength and your source of joy! It is amazing how many times the evil forces that try to ruin my day will run as soon as I begin to sing a praise to God! Even the person who was growling will change their attitude because the force that was using them is no longer there. Satan cannot stand to hear us praising God!
How can you be strong in the middle of a bunch of growling people when they are coming from all directions? I found a verse a few years ago that has been really good for me to remember when I find myself surrounded and outnumbered.
Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Let's look at the definition in Hebrew for the word "buckler" in this verse!
The Hebrew word is mâgên meginnâh
It is pronounced maw-gane', meg-in-naw'
From H1598; a shield (that is, the small one or buckler); figuratively a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile: - X
Just imagine having ourselves wrapped in a shield or a scaly hide of the crocodile! That's pretty powerful if you ask me! I don't believe I would fear many attacks that come my way if I was wrapped in this type of skin.
We should have the attitude of the crocodile! Facing whatever comes eye to eye, not moving or wavering from our joyful attitude. The only one fearing should be the evil forces and they will soon get out of there if you know who your buckler is and your strength comes from your God!
Let's remember in whom we will trust today! Let's carry an attitude of fearlessness as we realize we are safe within the fortress; we have a deliverer who gives us strength and is our horn (power) and our buckler(protection)!
Let's pray,
My God, my buckler in times of trouble when those I know are complaining and growling at me, keep me strong and keep me joyful by your power, the power of your Spirit within me always. make me aware when the enemy is present that I might be able to face it and not waver or weaken but rather praise you in song and give you the glory regardless. Chase away the spirit of discouragement and complaining in my life today and every day as I desire to do your will. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment