Have you ever stopped to examine your grumpy? Have you put much thought into why you might be set off by certain things or just generally in a foul mood? If not, it might be time to take a good hard look at the grumpiness factor.
The Grumpiness Factor
My Pastor recently shared a powerful truth:
If something disrupts your joy, it is probably an idol.
We’re not talking transient happiness here. Happiness can depend on circumstances. I’m talking about that deeper sense of happiness- the joy that comes from fellowship with God. When that is disrupted, it may signal something.
You see, grumpiness speaks.
It speaks to you about what is in your heart. It reveals. It may reveal that your fellowship with God is being disrupted by something. Here is the equation:
Situation + Grumpiness = Idol Revealed
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:22-23). Life and even grief marked by joy is evidence of a Spirit filled life. It is evidence of a life walking in fellowship with God. It is evidence of a life lived in God’s will:
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Listen To Your Grumpy
What is your grumpy telling you? First figure out what it was that set you off:
Determine The Situation
- What is it that gets you going?
- What gets you riled up?
- What plummets your emotions into a depressive mood?
- What was it that your colleague, friend, spouse, etc said that robbed your peace inside?
- Was it a change in schedule, response you didn’t expect, result you weren’t counting on…?
Determine Your Emotional Response and Its Intensity
- How do you feel after that situation?
- Angry?
- Sad?
- Disappointed?
- Fearful?
- Hurt?
- Disrespected?
- Unloved?
- How strongly do you feel that on a scale of 1-10?
Determine Why
Not all grumpiness is a result of an idol. Your grumpiness may reveal other things, too.
Grumpy For Good Reason
Now it’s time to pray. Seek God. Does this reveal a dream that you have with God that is in danger? Does it reveal a longing you’ve had since childhood that feels threatened? Does this reveal a passion you have for justice that honors God? Did something bring up a loss you are still grieving? Maybe this reveals something good in your soul- something that reflects God’s own nature. Rejoice in that if this is the case! Turn your face to Him and seek solutions to what it is that sparked the grumpiness. It will definitely affect your mood. And it might just change someone’s life, your life, or the world.
Grumpy From Pain
Many people struggle with grumpiness due to chronic pain or chronic illness. Others deal with it from medicines they are on (If a side-effect of a medicine a doctor is suggesting to you is suicide- think long and hard about it before deciding whether to take that medicine). Still others are just dealing with something very heavy in life. Grief takes time. Be patient with yourself if any of these fit you. You don’t need any self-condemnation. Fellowship with God and let Him walk you through this difficult time.
Grumpy From an Idol
OR does it reveal an idol? Putting anything (even good things) before God in our hearts breaks our fellowship with Him. This steals our joy, since joy springs up out of our delight in Him, His presence, and His work in our lives. If this might be true for you, take 5 (or 10, or a whole day, or a week) seeking God. He longs to free you from idols that rob you of the joy He designed for you to have. At least take 5 now praying through this song:
Sip Life Slowly
This blog is designed to nudge you closer to the One you were created for and the best life that He has designed for you. It is designed to inspire delight in the micro and macro of life and engagement in those relationships and tasks that matter most to you. You may also like:
- What is the Meaning of Life?
- Got Peace?
- God Longs To Do This For You
- The Secret to Shrinking Problems
Photo edited from Image by Prettysleepy2 from Pixabay
Sip Life Slowly and Enjoy It 