{COMPLAINING}
com•plain \kəm-ˈplān\ verb intransitive
1 : to express grief, pain, or discontent 〈complaining about the weather〉
2 : to make a formal accusation or charge — com•plain•er noun — com•plain•ing•ly \-ˈplā-niŋ-lē\ adverb
A complainer (aka: a whiner/grumbler) often times gets a bad rap in people groups. I mean, let’s face it—no one wants to be around someone when they bicker and complain. Shoot—I don’t even like being around myself when I get into a ‘pity-party,’ yaya, funk.
It is obvious from the Bible that God is not a fan of complainers either…
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…(Phil.2:14-15)
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. (James 5:9)
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:9)
And while the Bible is clear that complaining can be sinful, did you know there is also a special type of complaining that is not sinful? That’s right—there is one specific type of grumbling/complaining that God actually gives us permission to voice whenever we feel like it. That special privilege is known as…
Faithful Complaining
Based upon the following verse, I shall make my case of all appropriate/non-sinful times you are allowed to complain.
With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. (Psalm 142:1-2)
WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO “LAMENT” BEFORE GOD IN…
Repentance – Psalm 51
Fear—Psalm 69
Disappointment—Psalm 74
Longing—Psalm 85
Depression—Psalm 88
Confusion—Psalm 102
Sorrow—Psalm 137
Anger—Psalm 140
Faithful Complaining differs from sinful complaining, not in the words spoken, but in the source of the words spoken. Sinful complaining comes from doubt and selfish desire. Faithful complaining comes from humility and acceptance that we are just not ‘God’ enough to handle the situation on our own.
To live in this world assures us that we will be handed plenty of hardship to complain about. James tells us these “trials” will not only come, but should be expected!
To help us endure these painful trials, God has given us mighty examples (through the Psalms) on the right way to bring our burdens before Him. God wants us to pour out our hearts before Him. He desires for us to tell Him exactly what we are feeling; the good, the bad, and the ugly. (I assure you—He is big enough to take it)!
Through their lament, the faithful complainer will remember well that despite how dark the day may seem right now, there will come a day when our ‘troubles’ and ‘complaints’ cease to exist.
I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” …The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me. (from Psalm 142:7)
For more information on Kasey Van Norman Ministries, visit our website at http://kaseyvannorman.com.
Tagged: complain, complaining, kasey, kasey van norman, perception, sin
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