An old Amish saying states “ Trade expectation for appreciation and the world changes instantly”. This saying made me think of the verse in 1 Corinthians 15 that says “So, dear brothers and sisters, be strong and unmoveable, Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is useless (1 Corinthians 15:58). At first glance they may seem to have little connection but bear with me.
Lately, I have been struggling with the feeling of bitterness and resentment. I often feel taken for granted in my family and it has led to a place where bitterness has grown and I have become a bit grumpy. When I took it to the Lord and asked Him to take it from me, He showed me that my resentment came from feeling that my efforts were useless or had no value. I was not getting validation from those in my life that what I was doing was appreciated. I needed to learn to do all things for Him and then nothing would ever be a waste because He could use it for my good and His glory. The problem—I was unsure how exactly to shift my view.
As I meditated on how to shift my view throughout the past couple weeks I realized one way I could shift my view was through gratitude. Every time I felt a grumpy spirit coming I would thank God for the opportunity to serve my family, to be His hands and feet for them. After doing this I realized a serious shift in my heart and I began to feel joy when I was doing the dishes or driving people to where they needed to be. Just as the Amish saying said my world changed when I stopped expecting others to validate my efforts and instead began to appreciate the opportunity given to serve them and let God validate me.
In other words, as I served God enthusiastically I found nothing I did was a waste and my view changed. I was able to, instead of grumbling and complaining, appreciate the opportunities to love and serve those in my life, I no longer have room in my heart for the bitterness and my world has indeed changed.
This morning driving home at 5:30 am, after dropping my husband off to work, with a grumpy and sleepy kid in the backseat, I realized, I am no longer worried about how I am going to keep dropping off and picking up my husband when the new baby arrived, I am no longer frustrated with having to be up at such an early time or even frustrated with the grumpy kid in the backseat. Instead, I was filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity. This shift in my heart has made all the difference in how I go about my daily chores and how I react and interact with those around me and that once again fills me with joy that overflows to them and I can see that my change of heart has a positive effect on them as well.
Over the time I have been seeking God on this, I have found that the interactions with my family have become soother, we enjoy time together more and there is less tension and more love and fun in the atmosphere. The joy and peace that God has offered me through this perspective shift have begun to show up in those I love. They have calmer reactions and are more appreciative and kind not only to me but to each other as well, and that is one of the greatest gifts of all.
Takeaways
Look for places where you can serve God enthusiastically
Examine your daily routine and see where you can or maybe already do serve others. As you go about your tasks remind yourself of 1 Corinthians 15:58 “So, dear brothers and sisters, be strong and unmoveable, Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is useless. I often say verse quietly under my breath as I do the dishes or complete whatever needed task. It helps change my self-talk from negative to God-focused and positive.
Thank God for the opportunities to serve Him and others
When I feel a bitter attitude creeping up I will say just a short prayer that thanks God for the opportunity to serve and asked Him to help me maintain a positive and Godly attitude. I have found that God never lets me down if I ask for His help he is always there to help me through any trial or difficulty I face.
Let God validate your efforts instead of Others.
Looking to God for validation instead of the world and the people around us. He is the one who defines us and what is good and right not others. The best way to do this I have found personally is to memorize scriptures, such as 1 Corinthians 15:58 or Colossians 3:23 “ And whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord and not unto man”, for times when you struggle. Having some verses that remind me that I am doing all things for God helps me remember why and who I am doing things for and it chases bitterness and resentment away.
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father,
Help us to always remember you in all that we do.
In everything let us work towards bringing you glory, revealing your heart and love to those around us.
Fill us with joy and enthusiasm for serving you and others.
Remove from us any bitterness, anger, or resentment that keeps us from living the joy-filled and abundant life that you have for us.
In Jesus’ name
Amen
As always I encourage all my readers to join in the discussion below in the comments or by emailing me at emilyb@moreofjesusplease.com. Tell us about how you serve God enthusiastically in your daily life and the blessings you have received from God as you do or anything else in your heart.
I hope you will join us next week. May God bless you and keep you and may you be filled with Joy and peace that knows no bounds.
More Of Jesus Please 
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