The Wi-Fi is not working! The line is too long. It is too hot! It is too cold! The kids are not listening to me. My parents are not listening to me. You are ruining my plans. We will never get this done on time. Why don’t they understand that they are wrong! I wish that I was paid more. I need more respect. Why won’t this slow driver move out of my way?

I heard each of those statements in one day. To be more specific, I heard each of those statements within an eight-hour period on that day.

Since I am being honest, I was responsible for a few of those comments.

I am a product of Generation-X. Generation-X is known for the ability to critique. Sometimes, I feel like a professional at recognizing the errors and problems in life.

A couple of months ago, I was talking to a clergy friend and she pointed out that the ability to criticize does not belong to Generation-X alone, but to all humanity.

We have become a people fixated on the negative. We allow one problem to consume our energy and time; and – yes, problems are real and need to be handled but have we become so obsessed with the problems that we are losing our joy, our hope, or our faith?

I love Psalm 100 for this reason.

Psalm 100 reminds us that this world is full of joy and praise. Each moment we should be looking for God’s work and praising the Lord for that joyous activity. The world has problems, but God’s grace and presence is greater and more abundant.

Psalm 100 reminds me to look for God in my daily life and let God’s work enliven my soul.        

I have been told by several wise people “that a person will find what she or he is looking for.” If we are looking for problems, we will find them. If we are looking for God’s acts of love and joy, we will find those. Do not let the problems of life blind you to the goodness of God. Find the grace and praise God.

Dr. Stephen Rhoads is Senior Pastor of Pollard United Methodist Church in Tyler, Texas. If you are ever in the area, please stop by to visit for church.

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