The Ten-Day Word FastSample

Complaining

Yesterday we concluded that when you live life complaining, it is just hard to hear from the Lord. It severs the communication lines. Complaining is sending all the wrong messages to God. I wonder if our complaining catches the Lord's attention like it does most parents. YES. There are few things that rankle an adult like an ungrateful, complaining child. And probably every one of us has felt that pain of our generous gift, gesture, or work going unappreciated.

It is critically important for us to recognize that complaining has its root and beginning in ingratitude. Ingratitude is not just some trivial, passing attitude. Rather, it is a serious heart issue that has major consequences in our lives.

You see, the very nature of God is goodness (Exod. 33:18-19). This is why complaining is so damaging to our spiritual life and relationships. The words we speak answer this question: Do we really believe God is good? When we complain - we are saying, “God, I really don’t believe You are good. I don’t believe You have it under control.” And, as for those around us, I say complaining is like emotional pollution; it pollutes the air they breathe. Complaining sends an emotional virus into the air that others breathe and become infected with.

When we complain, we blind ourselves to all the good things the Lord has accomplished for us. By complaining, we disavow all of God's past provision and His hopes and promises for the future. Complaining measures all of God's promises to us and finds them wanting because of one immediate situation of need we might have.

So how do you overcome complaining? Focus on the many good things the Lord has provided. Instead of grumbling and complaining, we are to praise God for His goodness to us.

Gratefulness, thanksgiving, and praise to God for who He is and what He has done for us - all of these expressions - send the right message to God that resonates with His spirit. These are the words that should continually be on our lips. How do you overcome evil? With good. There is always good somewhere, and no matter how dark the day seems, God is able to show His love, compassion, and care for us in many ways. We simply have to be on the lookout for it.