Ah, complaining. Now there is something that I am good at. :)
I believe that people tend to complain when they are forced to face things that they cannot control. It's amazing how often God brings me to face that which I am not in control of. Quite honestly, it is upsetting to know that I can't control things that I would prefer to control. And yes, that is when I complain.
But complaint is also as sign of something bigger and something very important. Complaining is a sign that I do not trust God. Complaining also forfeits the ability to trust God. Complaining tests the Lord...it is us saying "Is the Lord with me, or not?" God says that He is my God and I am His child. That promise does not change, regardless of my circumstances. So, it grieves His heart, it hurts God, when I complain because I am not believing His promise to me.
We often complain because we cannot see the outcome of our situations...but God does see it and according to His Word, the outcomes when we walk in blind trust to Him are good, generous, and healthy. They are always what is best for us as they heal us to make us whole people.
My intimacy with God is not based on my circumstances. If my complaining can grow during hardships, the good news is that trust can often grow in hardships. Hardships are the times of our lives when God is able to strip us of our idols, and bring us healing.
Instead of complaining, these things help me to trust God each moment during my hardships and bring me to healing and joy:
*decide to take God at His word and trust him. Sometimes the most growth comes when we make a decision rather than remain indecisive
*talk with people who share the same standards that you have and who constantly build you up. Isolation brings destruction.
*journal often about the good times and blessings you have or have had in the past. A thankful heart is truly a happy heart.
