Memory Verse
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.
Habakkuk 3:19
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I find myself telling my kids to check their attitude; how to do things we’re asked to do is just as important, if not more important, than actually doing it. If 
we do things with a negative attitude we may as well not do it at all. The other day I asked my older son to help his little brother tie his shoes. After some huffing, puffing, and stomping over to the other side of the room the task was being completed, but no one was happy about it! The older son was bugged about having to do it, and the younger son could tell that his brother did not want to help him.
I have to ask myself though, how many times God has asked me to do something and I have had a bad attitude about it! How many times has my boss asked me to do something and I grumbled and complained. How many times I have looked at the daily tasks of being a wife and mother and have completed them with less than a positive attitude.
I don’t think God expects us to be unrealistically happy about everything, everyday. We’re a “why” people. Thankfully, we have a patient God who answers our why’s without punishing us, or saying, “Because I said so.” As Teresa showed us, instead of being upset with Habakkuk for asking why, for questioning God’s motives and reasons, God took the time to show Habakkuk the beauty behind what He was doing. He showed him the goal that He was accomplishing.
“God is patient to let us ask our questions, process the answers and apply the knowledge to our lives.” Having questions isn’t a bad thing when we come to God honestly, and with sincerity.
Habakkuk 1:2-4 (NKJV)
O Lord, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear?
Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save.
Why do You show me iniquity, And cause me to see trouble?
For plundering and violence are before me; There is strife,
and contention arises.
Therefore the law is powerless, And justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
Therefore perverse judgment proceedsHabakkuk 3:2 (MSG)
God, I’ve heard what our ancestors say about you, and I’m stopped in my tracks,
down on my knees. Do among us what you did among them. Work among us as you worked among them. And as you bring judgment, as you surely must, remember mercy.
Look at the conversation between Habakkuk and God; look at the openness and look at the relationship between the two. Compare this to the words of Jonah:
Jonah 4:2-3 (NKJV)
So he prayed to the Lord, and said,
“Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still
in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish;
for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God,
slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness,
One who relents from doing harm.
Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me,
for it is better for me to die than to live!”
“It is better for me to die than live!”—those are strong words.
When we’re asked to do something we have two choices. We can either say “Yes, Lord.” knowing that sometimes that yes may come along with questions. Our patient Father is more than willing to answer our questions. Or we can turn the other way and spend time in the belly of a fish, not literally, but in our own way.
We are responsible for our attitude, and our attitude can change our outlook of the tasks we are given through life. I’m going to write this verse down and keep it with me; it will remind me that whatever happens God will make a way, He will provide for me. My job is to have a good attitude about the path He has placed me on.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NKJV)
Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls –
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We are asked on a daily basis to complete tasks and do things in life that we may be less than happy about. Lord, please remind us that instead of grumbling and running from the task, You will provide and make a way for the task to be accomplished, even when we can’t see that way. Thank You for Your patience. Thank You for answering our questions. Lord, thank You for Your grace and for second chances when we run and complain like Jonah. I pray when we’re asked to complete a task that we take the time to step back and pray, and check our attitude to make sure it lines up with You and Your word. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
About Tonya Ellison
Amen Tonya. Wonderful Blog. I read a quote one time that said ” Attitude is the minds paintbrush; it can color any situation.” ~~ Vonette Bright. This quote has stuck in my mind for years. It is so true that it is OUR choice to have a negative attitude, or a positive attitude. You want your day to be full of negativity then wake up and start your day with a negative attitude, want your day to be full of positive things, wake up positive…Your choice. This can apply not only to how our day goes, but also to anything that we are doing. Philippians 4:8 NLT says “And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worth of praise.
I love that quote Mary, thank you for sharing it. :-). I will be walking in that verse today. And believe me ladies it is easier said than done. It takes prayer, and like the verse says we have to “fix” our mind; we choose what we focus on. ♥
Mary, I am writing that down.. thank you for sharing!
Two thoughts that I wrote in the margin of my book as I studied: God may ask me to do something I don’t want to do, maybe out of fear or maybe because I (like Jonah) don’t ‘think they deserve it.’ But who am I to question God? Who am I to understand the thoughts and plans of God? (Is 55:8-9); God has chosen to use all kinds of people and methods to accomplish His work, but it only takes one attitude from me and that is an attitude of submission and readiness.
Thanks for a good study today, Tonya. I’m praying right along with you.
I definitely agree that we need to develop an attitude of submission and readiness. Satan is going to use fear to try to make us say No. That was an excellent verse you referred to. Thank you!
Awesome words today. We are dealing with attitude problems in our home this summer. This is the exact conversation that is happening over and over. I have to keep reminding myself how patient God is when we have questions. I’m allowing Him to work on my heart and praying for endurance. Love you, Tonya!
Amen to endurance! With a 10, 7 and 5 year old we have been discussing our attitude a lot. I know I need to work on mine as much as my kids do. Thank God for his patience!
the 3rd chapter of the Book of Habakkuk is one of my favorite sections of the Scriptures! oh, how i love habakkuk’s heart! he pours out his cares and concerns before God…not whining and complaining to other people…but he takes himself to the Great I AM. david the psalmist lived in the same way—always bringing his worries, his fears, his doubts to the only One Who could do anything about them! AND both david and habakkuk poured out their praise to their Great God, too! i want to be like them! endeavoring to live with a ‘habakkuk 3:17-19’ attitude! (and memorizing it, too!) 😉
I’ve honestly never read through this chapter in depth, but over the psay few days I have learned so much. I love how he and David show us how we can be open and honest with God. ♥
What an excellent study & blog today, it was enlightening & also convicting. How often do I struggle with having the proper attitude! Father God it is my prayer to be more like Habakkuk & less like Jonah. Help me to submit to Your will, and not worry about the details, You’ve got those handled!
Paula, I find myself questioning details also. I wonder who, what, when,where, why and how. But like you said God has the details taken care of. We just need an obedient attitude and say yes. 🙂
Great blog, Tonya. I love how God preaches to us through our kids! We are never alone. We just have to step out in faith and He will supply us with the proper equipment to do the job. As I read this and the lesson material an old hymn popped into my head:
Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely.
He sees and knows all the way you have trod;
Never alone are the least of His children;
Have faith in God, have faith in God.
Here’s the link in case someone wants the entire song lyric:
http://www.hymnlyrics.org/newlyrics_h/have_faith_in_god.php
colleen gail…you bless my heart! just sayin’!!! <3
Thank you for this! “Never alone are the least of His children”. He knows What He asks us to do. He is right next to us as we walk our path. It takes that step. Thank you foe reminding us!
“We are responsible for our attitude, and our attitude can change our outlook of the tasks we are given through life.” This is the key for me. It’s all in my hands, how I react or respond. So what will I choose? How will I choose to reflect HIM in my reactions & responses? Thank you!
Great questions that we all need to be asking ourselves on a daily basis; how often do I say that someone or something has made me mad, when in reality it was my choice to respond that way. It takes a conscious effort to step back and say “is the way I’m responding or reacting to this situation or to this person glorifying God?” Thank you!
Attitude definitely can make or break me. It’s amazing how much my attitude determines and doesn’t God deserve our gratitude and praise ? If He asks of us, He should receive and joyfully. Thanks tonya. Great blog!
That’s a goosd way to put it, ‘our attitide can make or break us”. Something good to think about. 🙂
Thank you!!!
Excellent blog Tonya! This really makes me sit back and reflect on my attitude in certain things. Like yourself, I plan on meditating on this scripture. I’m also going to share your blog with your brothers and youngest sister. I thank and praise God for the gifts He has placed in you.
Love you hon!
Thanks :)… I hope they read it. 🙂
Amen – sometimes saying Yes Lord and doing what He asks with gusto allows us to move forward. I remember hearing God’s voice and asking when then He would respond NOW would be nice. My biggest challenge is remembering God’s timing is the time to live by mine is always a little off.
Two things, I love the word you used. “gusto: 🙂 it says a lot, I need to remember that. Also, thank you for reminding us that our lives will work out according to God’s timimg, and if we’re asked to wait, we need to have the same attitude as if He would have said yes.
Attitude is a choice…true. Not always an easy choice to make, but once made, it sure makes a BIG difference in your day!! I’m reflecting on the little gal that is in our home right now, and what a positive attitude that she has toward her life. Her family is in turmoil, and going through some things that I would pray WE never go through!! But yet, this little one has such a positive attitude about everything, so resilient, so encouraging; so much so that it’s hard to see sometimes that she is struggling with all this to a degree. She could choose to see the downside of all this, and fall into a depression or even a pity party…but she doesn’t. She is very strong emotionally, and I just LOVE her attitude about it all! She is truly a gift. Her attitude is a gift!
Very true, it’s n ot always an easy choice and that’s where we need to lean on
God. Thank you for sharing this example there are so many references in the Bible where Jesus tells us to present ourselves like children, and to have the heart of a child, this is a great example. Thank you!
So inspiring. Lord help my altitude. I grumble a lot….
Ann, you’re not alone… This is something I struggle with too. Thank God for His grace and mercy.
awesome blog post Tonya.. Of course, reading about teaching the kids hit home for me. I always tell my kids that it’s ok to speak what you feel, but in respect, etc.. I find myself talking through clenched teeth (not literally,but it sure feels like it)..
when God tells me to do something, it is usually because of fear that I take my sweet time, but I ask that He help my attitude..
I am standing in agreement with you in asking God to help with attitudes, yours, mine and all the women here who need His help.
Thanks Tonya Wow so needed this word Attitude check test of if im really a true daughter of the Most High God when im pressed &pushed to speak to those not saved when their behaviour is so uguly im checkiing so help me God more Grace to offer than to judge
Great observation, I think we all need to offer more grace than judgement at certain points in our day 🙂
Convicted today….thank you for the awesome word Tonya, I sincerely needed this today.
I’m glad God touched your heart today. He speaks to us when we most need it. 🙂
So convicted….thank you for these wonderful words that helped me get my heart in check.