Pouring Complaints Before the LORD

The other day I was driving home and I saw an advertisement on an electronic billboard I had never seen before.  Though there were no provocative images displayed, the website name and words employed led me to suspect it was an adult-related site.  Since I have no interest to see ads for adult websites publicly displayed to minors in my neighbourhood and arouse their curiosity, I investigated the standards concerning ads in New South Wales and considered if there was a case to voice my concern.  In the Code of Ethics posted online, I found advertisements deemed misleading and fail to provide the benefits they claim could be reported.  I reached out to Ad Standards and expressed my concerns that the advertisement was not forthright about it potentially directed unwitting people and children to a website with adult content.

I was pleased to see my concerns were followed up with a letter from Ad Standards, and I was informed the complaint would not be passed on to the Panel for consideration.  The letter read, "While your concern does fall within the advertising rules, it is unlikely the broader community would share your objection to the behaviour depicted in the advertisement.  On this basis the Chair considers that the advertisement would not breach the Code."  This rationale is quite concerning, that the unlikeliness of the broader community sharing my objection is the basis for considering my complaint.  The code seemed flexible based upon the general opinions of people--without any investigation required.  If the "broader community" sets the standard of what is acceptable or objectionable, this does not bode well in a secular society inundated with pornography a mere click away.  While I commend the work Ad Standards does to ensure the Code of Ethics set forth in NSW is followed, the response provided gave me pause about the likeliness of people who share my objection to restrict advertising adult websites to children who can read--possibly without the knowledge of their parent.

How grateful I am God does not similarly treat the complaints of His people they bring to Him!  When God's people complained in their tents due to the lack of faith and contentment in God, it angered Him--and for good reason.  What we do observe in Scripture is when people poured out their complaint before the LORD, believing He would hear and help them, God was faithful to respond.  In 1 Samuel 1, a childless wife named Hannah poured out her complaint and grief before the LORD because she was barren, and her rival wife continually provoked her about it.  After Hannah explained the reason behind her emotional state as she prayed at the tabernacle, 1 Samuel 1:17-18 says, "Then Eli answered and said, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him." ¹⁸ And she said, "Let your maidservant find favor in your sight." So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad."  Hannah poured out her complaint from the heart before the LORD.  Because Hannah believed God heard her prayer and would answer, her sorrow was lifted.  In time God gave her the son she requested of the LORD (who grew to be Samuel the prophet and judge) plus 3 sons and 2 daughters.

Complaining can be a bad habit and an indication of pride, selfishness and problems in our own hearts that dwarf whatever it is we may complain about to others.  For a short while we may feel better after complaining on an emotional level, but complaining does not accomplish anything good:  it cannot change hearts, improve our situation or bring glory to God.  When we bring out complaints before the LORD, however, He knows our affliction, pain and grief we are experiencing intimately.  Unlike a Community Panel that responds with action only if it is likely the broader community agrees with us, God is pleased for us individually to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us.  God does not operate like a democracy, considering political correctness or expediency, but He responds as our sovereign LORD with all power and our Father who draws us with lovingkindness.  When our loved ones cannot understand us and others do not agree with us, God delights to hear those who trust Him pour out their concerns before Him--believing He will hear and answer.  Having been heard by God and accepted by His grace, we can rejoice and rest in Him regardless of what a billboard, Chair, Panel or community says.