Do you talk like an atheist? One who spreads evil reports almost denies the existence of God. I read this many years ago. I thought to myself ‘I have complained my whole life. Complaining drags us deep into a muddy pit.
It’s like the account of the Israelites and the giant cluster of grapes. The grapes should have encouraged the Israelites that the land was full of bounty, just as God promised. However, they interpreted the huge grapes differently. They used them as evidence that the land was inhabited by unconquerable giants. “What would expect from the vineyards of giants. Isn’t it strange how two people can look at the same thing -such as a cluster of grapes and come to two opposite conclusions? To Joshua and Caleb, the giant grapes were a good thing. To the Israelites the giant grapes were a sign of despair.
God said He heard the grumbling and the complaints of the children of Israel. He hears our complaints also. The sin of grumbling is related to the sin of gossip. Both are forms of evil speech, both result from a critical sprit,
I have a friend, that constantly complains and grumbles. Her life is in shambles because of it. Everyone around her is starting to avoid her. I have to say, When I see her name come up on my phone, I feel dread. I used to be able to get there thinking of the good things in her life. But, now she doesn’t even hear it. She doesn’t understand why all her friends avoid her.
She’s like a cranky five-year old, who you take to the zoo, they see the lions, but is sulking because you didn’t by the Candy they wanted. You take them to see the zebras, but they are angry because they have to hold your hand in the large crowd. You take them to see the monkeys, but they are having a fit because they wanted French fries. You buy them French fried but the complain that they were soggy. At the end of the day, they did not see the lions, zebras, or monkeys. They have had a miserable day and so have you. The child transformed what could have been a wonderful day into a horrible day for no good reason.
It’s easy to look at a situation like that and realize how foolish and unruly the child is being, it’s harder to realize that our own complaints, and grumbling are just as petty. Adults are usually sophisticated enough to disguise their childish tantrums and inner discontentment. We disguise them as serious adult issues, concerns, and complaints. But on closer investigation, many of those issues tend to be no more than sulking over soggy French fries. But it’s not a zoo, it’s our life.
If you spend it fussing and sulking, you will never enjoy the good things that God is continually doing for you. And you will never notice any of them.
I spent 20 years, complaining and grumbling. And definitely not seeing the good God was doing in my life. I was hurt, depressed, and angry, and I’m sure not very happy to be around. I was definitely like “the atheist.”
The Bible teaches that God hears all of our complaints and negatively. The Bible teachers in Israel compare the complainer to the atheist because they have no faith in the goodness of God.
What are some good things you have that God has laid before you?
God has been good to me, I have everything I need; Shelter, food, a car to drive, clothes to wear, a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful children. And many more if I think about it.
Yes, there will be times when we feel discouraged, disappointed, angry, or sad, but we have to learn to respond on the truth of God’s Word, and not allow our feelings/emotions to rule/lead us.
Is it going to be easy to not complain? No, it can be difficult at times. Life is hard and challenging. With the Lords help we can see victory over complaining in life’s situations.
From Pity to Praise 