A Good Question
Have you ever used the statement, “That’s a good question.” to buy time? Whether I am giving a presentation or in a conversation, I have learned when I am asked a question and I am not quite sure of the answer, my “buy time” response is, “That’s a good question.” I say that whether its a good question or not!!
On a recent Sunday morning, my husband and I were intently listening to the message during the morning service. The topic was prayer. At one point in the message, our pastor asked if we were “praising or complaining”. Immediately I heard my husband whisper under his breath, “That’s a good question.”
I am quite sure this was not an effort to buy time. From the tone of his whisper I could tell he really thought it was a good question. Indeed it is. It’s a question that demands self- examination on a regular, if not daily, basis.
Even as I type this blog and ask myself this question, I fear being honest. However, if I were being honest, complaining may have ruled this day in particular:
- A hospitalized family member.
- An unnecessary death over the weekend.
- An hour long drive for a business meeting.
- Work tasks that are demanding too much time.
- An out of town husband.
And then, I stop.
And then, I think.
And then, I realize.
I am so blessed.
Praise God for:
- The care provided at a hospital.
- The comfort God provides in death.
- I have a car to drive,
- My job is solid and keeps me engaged.
- My husband will be home soon!
The word “praise” appears 248 times in 116 verses in the KJV Bible. Complaining is found in the Bible too…after all the Bible is about people!
Some verses on Praise that are commonly quoted include:
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6
“Praise the Lord, my soul, all my inmost being, praise His holy name.” Psalm 103:1
While Paul and Silas were in jail, this is what they did…
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the other prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:25
In other words, they were not complaining about their imprisonment, they were praising God!!!
Next step for me, when I find myself complaining, I will tell myself to be like Paul and Silas and remind myself of Psalms 150:6. I am absolutely sure this will guide me to being able to honestly and confidently answer the “good question” with a “I am praising!” answer.
Will you join me in the mindset shift and move from complaining to praising?
JW