Daphne E. Tarango

Thank you to everyone who commented on my latest poll about complaining to God. We had great discussions—not only on this blog but also on Facebook and on LinkedIn.

Like most of you, I would give this question a 5—I completely believe it’s okay to complain to God. In fact, the Bible is full of complaints—and even laments—to God:

• Job
• Psalms
• Jeremiah
• And of course, Lamentations!

Rest assured, dear ones: We can approach God with our complaints—especially when we don’t understand why something is happening or why things aren’t working out the way we had planned or hoped.

• Marriage.
• Career.
• Illness.
• Life in general.

When we complain to God with humility—when we empty our innermost feelings to God, He leans down from His throne, positions His ears to our lips, and comforts us like only He can. He heals us and gives us hope (Psalm 10:17).

It’s tempting to “sterilize” our feelings when we approach our Heavenly Father, dear ones. But listen to great men of the Bible, as they brought their raw feelings to God Almighty:

• O God, listen to my complaint (Psalm 64:1).
• I spill out all my complaints before him, and spell out my troubles in detail (Psalm 142:2).
• And so I’m not keeping one bit of this quiet, I’m laying it all out on the table; my complaining to high heaven is bitter, but honest (Job 7:11).

What a relief to know that we don’t have to “clean up” before talking to Him–before complaining, lamenting, mourning—even grieving in His presence. He already knows about it. Listen to Psalm 139:

I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking…. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence….

 

Let’s be that open book to God, dear ones. Let’s not cower away from our God. Let’s long for that intimacy with our Lord. Do you want it? I do.

God wants to hear our complaints—however “small.” He is the God of the forest—and the God of the trees. When we talk things out with Him, He brings us comfort, wisdom, and peace.

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life (Philippians 4:6-7).

 

Peace can come to you when you complain to Him.

In fact, several years ago, I went through a very difficult—and lengthy—time of illness.  I was consumed with anger, but I wouldn’t show it. After weeks and months of barely scratching the surface of my feelings, I had enough. I told God—more like yelled in my frustration, “I’m so angry with you!” Immediately, I felt in my spirit a loving voice that said, “That’s what I’ve been waiting for. Now we can move forward.”

Do you want to move forward? Don’t bury those frustrations. Voice those to God–He can handle it. He wants that intimacy with you. That’s what He’s been waiting for.

Complain, lament, whatever you call it… just do it!

Come alongside…What are you frustrated about? Have you complained to God? What’s holding you back?