Pour Out Complaints to God

As we trek along in our walk with Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit our eyes are opened to see aspects of our lives that are contrary to God's ways.  In our flesh dwells no good thing, and it is only natural to persist in fleshly attitudes, thoughts, words, and deeds in varying degrees.  The fact it is natural does not mean it is beneficial or permissible.  In this body of flesh we need to be supernaturally transformed, and only through the Holy Spirit with our full cooperation is it possible.

I have been teaching through 1 Corinthians at Calvary Chapel Sydney, and much of the epistle addressed and sought to correct sin in the Corinthian church.  Paul affirmed the Law was written for our sakes as well as the Jews (1 Cor. 9:10).  He cited many examples of sinful behaviour in the children of Israel that lead to their destruction, despite being blessed and privileged by God.  One of the sins was particularly impressed upon my heart was that of complaining.  The million corpses which fell in the desert are absolute proof we ought not to lust sinfully, embrace idolatry, fornicate, tempt God, "...nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer."  I don't know about you, but complaining is a common part of life.  A definition of complain is, "to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something."  Have you ever expressed dissatisfaction or annoyance about something?  This is common to humanity - fallen, self-focused, judgmental, foolish, and often deluded beings that we are.

Complaining reveals we are self-focused and not trusting in God's sovereignty, provision, or control.  Even as anger is not evil in itself, neither is complaining.  It is entirely biblical to pour out our complaints to the LORD in faith, believing He hears and will answer our prayers.  The psalmist wrote in Psalm 77:3, "I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah."  Paul wrote in Romans 14:23 that whatsoever is not of faith in God is sin.  We are exhorted in 1 Peter 5:6-7 to humble ourselves before God and be casting our cares upon Him because He cares for us.  Unless our complaints are yoked with trust in God and sincere humility, our complaints are sinful.  Habitual complaining is a window to pride-darkened spots in our hearts which only God can cleanse.  Thankfully, if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

We don't see complaining as a big deal, but the fallen corpses of God's people in the wilderness say otherwise.  I exhort all to examine yourselves in this matter:  what annoys you?  How do you express your feelings when annoyed?  Do you bring your complaints before the Father who can do something about them or do they spill out on others?  How desperate is our condition apart from God, unable to do good and persistent in evil, unbelief, and selfishness!  We cannot hardly begin to fathom how deep our need for deliverance and forgiveness goes.  When God opens your eyes through His Word to see the depth of your sin, immediately confess it and take practical steps to correct it.  As you fellowship with other believers, ask others to keep you accountable and pray for one another.  Encourage family members to do the same.  May our complaints be turned to trusting praise in the God who loves us and gave Himself for us.