Does something have you feeling down? Perhaps there’s an issue with a family member or friend, or perhaps your job is overwhelming. When the inevitable difficulties come, it can be easy to become negative, or complain. Life can be hard, but I assure you, God wants more for you and your life than negativity and complaining. Even when times are hard, your joy comes from the Lord, who never changes.

St. Paul tells us in Philippians 2:14: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Paul also says, “I have learned to be content.”

Can you imagine the positive impact Christ-followers could have, if we deliberately chose to practice joy—not complaining—in situations in our lives? Set a goal this week, a goal to go one day without complaining at all.  Once you make it a whole day, keep adding to it. God will give you what you need to persevere. And you will be amazed how He’ll use your new positive attitude to reach your world in a winsome way.

This is Luis Palau.