8 June 2024 - Psalm 39

Quit complaining

Psalm 39:1(TLB) I said to myself, I’m going to quit complaining! I’ll keep quiet, especially when the ungodly are around me.

The Greek word for complainer literally means: one who is discontented with his lot in life.

Philippians 2:14(TLB) In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing.

1 Peter 4:9(ESV) Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Clearly, as believers, we are urged not to grumble or complain. When we complain, it can seem like we're saying God isn't good enough, faithful, loving, wise, powerful, or competent. Complaining without faith is wrong because it's like accusing God of making mistakes. However, complaining with faith doesn't blame God. It's more about honestly sharing our feelings of trouble, pain, and sadness in this imperfect and challenging world.

Psalm 142:1–2(ESV) 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.

It's okay to express unhappiness with the world's imperfections and to long for God's salvation. But

it's not okay to do this disrespectfully towards God or just to get our own way. It's fine to ask God questions, but it's not fine to doubt His reasons as if we could judge Him. Instead of complaining, we should trust that God is working in everything. We rely on Him for happiness and the strength to keep going.

In essence, while we all face challenges and frustrations, it's important to distinguish between faithless complaining and faithfully laying our struggles before God. As believers, we're encouraged to trust in God's plan, even in our discomfort and dissatisfaction. This trust isn't about suppressing our emotions or ignoring our pain, but rather about seeking a deeper understanding and relationship with God; where our complaints turn into conversations, and our grumbling turns into growth. Let's approach our trials with faith, patience, and the assurance that our concerns, when presented respectfully, are heard by a loving and wise God.