Praise Tornado

Since being back in the US, I am almost always cold inside the house, so I have taken to sitting outside to do Bible study. We live in a quiet area, and there is a big tree for shade in the front yard. While I’m thinking and hashing out my ideas, I tend to look around and mumble to myself. (Anyone else? Just me?) 

A few days ago while doing this, I noticed a few little gnats flying around. Their flight pattern was erratic, which is what made me notice them, but the longer I watched, it was amazing to see so many of them fly toward each other and become a swirling tornado! Their flight became almost frantic as they gained momentum. 

How annoying is it to walk or ride your bike into that swarm of gnats? We wave our arms and shake our heads to get them away from us, right? No one wants to accidentally swallow one, or breathe them in. Ew.

Believe it or not, the Lord spoke to me about this. When I am upset over something, or in a complaining mood, I can get myself worked up so that my thoughts become frantic. Add in a few friends, and before I know it we are ALL worked up in a complaining tornado, listing everything that is wrong with everyone else and sharing every frustration we have about everything.

Not good. Pretty unpleasant actually. But then again, it’s sin, so that makes sense. 

But unlike a swarm of gnats, walking into a swarm of complaining people doesn’t always feel unpleasant. We don’t always try to wave it away from us. It can actually be invigorating to our flesh. It feels good in the moment. We can feel justified in our negative thoughts, and get swept up in that tornado of complaint.

We need to guard ourselves against this type of speech. Complaining is not good, and doesn’t benefit anyone. It is actually very damaging.

I am purposing to turn this around with praise. To be so mindful of thanksgiving that there is nothing to complain about. To improve a conversation by the things I say, to edify the hearers, and praise the Lord often. I wanna be part of a praise tornado! 

Psalm 141:3- Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

Ephesians 4:29- Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Numbers 11:1a- And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; 

Psalm 63:3- Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Psalm 135:3- Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.

Psalm 107:8- Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!